I think it might just be a cyber version of the visits to Bethlem Royal Hospital (Bedlam) to gawp at the inmates!
According to Wiki:- The lunatics were first called "patients" in 1700, and "curable" and "incurable" wards were opened in 1725-34. In the 18th century people used to go to Bedlam to stare at the lunatics. For a penny one could peer into their cells, view the freaks of the "show of Bethlehem" and laugh at their antics. Entry was free on the first Tuesday of the month. In 1814 alone, there were 96,000 such visits.
The only outstanding question is who amongst us are considered 'curable' and who 'incurable'.
Perhaps PaulB could arrange a vote??
