Blue Dot Fever: Why are some tours struggling to sell tickets?

Artists like Meghan Trainor, Post Malone, and the Pussy Cat Dolls are cancelling shows, and in some cases whole tours, in what is being dubbed “Blue Dot Fever”. The concept was named in relation to the sea of blue dots, or empty seats, an attendee would see when going to buy a ticket at a show not selling well. However, leadership at the top ticket sales websites are pushing back, claiming sales and cancellations are happening at a normal rate. So, what is the truth behind the potential spread of “Blue Dot Fever”? And could a shift towards smaller markets and venues help ticket sales?