How are the executions and confessions affecting the workers on the farm in chapter 7 of Animal Farm?

I think the key is that, no matter how they may affect
them initially, the final meaning is "determined" by the pigs.  When something shocking
happens, the propaganda machine kicks in and provides them with an explanation that
calms their fears --- and this, of course, is the essence of how their state works.  So
when they come for Boxer, who is no longer useful to Napoleon and the state, and come
with a van that is clearly identified as a horse slaughter truck, Squealer tells them
that that's not the case.  The veternarian has bought the truck, but has not had time to
paint it.  Although this is total nonsense, the people believe it, perhaps because they
need/want to or perhaps because they have just grown so numb that they no longer
question anything.

So, perhaps, the executions
might be making them better "citizens" instead of more fearful ones ... if they can
believe this, they can believe anything.

In the world of
the Internet and information overload, we can certainly learn something from
this!