What's the deal with all the spam lately?

We're all under a lot of stress and anxiety from politics and world tensions these days. For some, perhaps it's a way to let off some steam. I just try to see it as "family;" sometimes you love 'em, sometimes you can't stand 'em. Just try to hold the line on personal insults and stick to the topics at hand is my MO. 

Infectious bacteria is basically spam, so it's been around for a long time.

Hey guys, Just to let you know that we are aware of the increase in Spam. Myself as well as the  other Moderators are trying to remove it as soon as we see it. Our Developers also have a plan for the first of the year, that will significantly  help cut down the number of spam posted  or eliminated from the onset of the first post. 

My idea was the number and nature of complaints could be the trigger for an 'automated removal', via a slick bit of programming.