Why Is the Intellectual Dark Web Suddenly Hyping an Unproven Covid Treatment?

Is the phrase "Intellectual dark web" solely used by establishment presses as a pejorative?

Have they ever reported something positive coming out of "the intellectual dark web"?

Joe Rogan, one of the most popular podcasters can hardly be considered "dark web". He's broadcasting under a 100M USD contract on one of the biggest streaming platforms.

Yet for whatever reason, Vice has an editorial position of maligning him. This is an excellent example of why trust in media is so low.

The use of Ivermectin can be debated on the merits. Instead, YouTube banned discussion of Ivermectin. Now Vice throws the shade of "fringe" and "conspiracy theory". This is not part of an honest discussion. It is typical of Vice's coverage.

It's 2021. Does dog whistling 'intellectual dark web','alt right' etc still sell?

Thanks to the ‘Vitamin B17’ thing, a vitamin discovered today wouldn’t be called a Vitamin.