Internet Hoaxes
Ariana Lewis CIS-5
What are Internets Hoaxes?
A hoax is defined as a deliberately fabricated falsehood made to masquerade as truth. It is distinguishable from errors in observation or judgment, or rumors, urban legends, pseudosciences or April Fools' Day events that are passed along in good faith by believers or as jokes. So therefore, an internet hoax is just one that happens over the Internet.
Some Examples of Internet Hoaxes
Bald for Bieber
This picture went viral with claims that this famous pop star had cancer. Soon a bunch of his dedicated fans were posting pictures of them with their shaved heads with the hashtag "#baldforbieber".
Mountain Dew Hoax
Mountain Dew wanted to launch a new flavor and wanted to ask the consumers what the new name should be. Many people did not take this seriously and the poll was eventually shut down when "Hitler Did Nothing Wrong" was topping the charts with the most votes.
Save Toby
A website was created saying that if people did not donate, they were going to kill and eat their bunny, Toby. The pranksters also created a book full of different ways to cook bunnies.
Have I Been Affected?
Honestly, I have not been fooled by any internet pranks, nor have I participated in any. I do not really pay attention to what is said on the internet because a lot of it is false anyways. Many people, though, are affected daily by these pranks.