In the age of instant information, the internet is rife with rumors and myths that seem to take on a life of their own. It can be more than a little tricky to know whom to believe.
That's where we come in!
We're diving into the most persistent and popular internet rumors to separate fact from fiction. Whether you've found yourself scratching your head in confusion or simply looking for a laugh, you're in the right place.
Join us as we explore the stories that have captured our collective curiosity, debunking myths and spreading a little knowledge along the way. Let's get to the bottom of these internet legends, one rumor at a time!
In May 2020, an age-old social media hoax resurfaced, falsely claiming Facebook would start charging users. This myth suggested that to avoid fees, users needed to forward a message to 10 contacts — a classic hallmark of internet hoaxes. Snopes has debunked this recurring rumor several times since its first appearance in 2009, confirming it as false.
Facebook remains free, with no announcements suggesting otherwise. The only semblance of truth lies in optional payments to content creators via "stars," not a charge for regular use. This tale serves as a reminder to scrutinize information before spreading it further, especially when it sounds too odd to be true.
The quirky legend that "no one passes away on Disney property" got a fresh wave of attention thanks to a TikTok user who shared a story from his time working at Disney's Magic Kingdom, where an older guest collapsed and, despite apparent death, efforts to revive him continued until he was off Disney grounds.
This tale feeds into the myth that Disney can claim no deaths occur within its parks. However, reality begs to differ, as there have been documented cases of deaths on Disney property, debunking this persistent urban legend.
The belief that dialing #77 or 112 on your cellphone universally connects you to emergency services is a myth. While #77 may link to the state highway patrol in some U.S. states, the codes vary, and some areas have none. Authorities, including Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste, advocate simply using 911 as it's the most reliable method to reach emergency help.
The number 112 is recognized in many countries, especially in the European Union, and might reroute to 911 in the U.S., but it isn't universally faster or more effective than 911. Police advise against using alternative numbers and recommend 911 for immediate assistance.
Back in October 2018, a Facebook message made the rounds, warning users of account "cloning" and urging them to forward the message if they received a duplicate friend request. This sparked fears of digital doppelgängers scamming friends.
However, the widespread sharing of this identical message turned it into more of a viral hoax than a helpful heads-up. If you suspect your account has been cloned, it's better to directly message a few friends or search for any copycat profiles yourself and report them to Facebook. No need to spam everyone on your friends list!
The tale of a "stranded Nigerian astronaut" needing $3 million to hitch a ride back to Earth is the latest twist in the saga of Nigerian prince scams. This time, it's not just any royalty, but astronaut Abacha Tunde, supposedly forgotten in space since 1990, with a hefty space paycheck waiting for him back home.
Despite the creative spin, featuring real space stations and spacecraft for authenticity, this email remains a scam as cosmic as its storyline. So, if Dr. Bakare Tunde reaches out for a small favor of $3 million, remember that this astronaut's rescue mission is strictly fictional. Keep your wallet grounded!