Recirculating: This Photo Doesn’t Depict an Abused Child
A photo floating around social media for over 3 years shows a girl with a black eye and small cuts on her face in an anti-child abuse post. Readers are asked to share it to raise awareness. The photo...
View ArticleWhat Happens on this “Put Your Finger On Any Color” Photo?
A graphic circulating online shows three colored dots and asks you to “Put your finger on any color.” Readers are then told, “Now click share, notice what will happen.” So, what is the trick here?...
View ArticleDebunked: Photos that “Prove” Stonehenge was Built in 1898 or 1954
A set of photos circulating online show “proof” that Stonehenge was built in modern times, with the years 1898 and 1954 often cited. The claims are false. Let’s first take a look at some common...
View ArticleClassic Hoax: Pouring Coke on Pork Makes Worms Appear
A longstanding rumor claims that pouring Coke over raw pork will cause worms to emerge from the meat. Is this true or false? It is a Myth As with many internet rumors, it can be difficult to trace a...
View ArticleDebunked: Giant Snake in the Red Sea
A series of images showing a giant snake loaded onto a truck has circulated online for several years. An associated story tells of a massive snake which killed 320 tourists and 125 divers in Egypt. Are...
View ArticleFake Story: Missing Scientist Found Hiding in Drug Lab
A fake story circulating online claims that a chemistry professor missing since 1984 was found hiding in a secret LSD drug lab in a couple’s basement. Fake Story The bogus story claims that a couple...
View ArticleClassic Urban Legend: Wizard of Oz Munchkin Suicide
A look at the classic urban legend which holds that a “munchkin” actor from the Wizard of Oz committed suicide on the set, and the body can be seen in the film. The Wizard of Oz Munchkin Suicide...
View ArticleAnalysis of “Through A Rapist’s Eyes”
“Through a Rapist’s Eyes” is a well-intended list of tips, advice, and information aimed at helping women understand rapists, and how to avoid them. Here we offer a closer examination of this essay...
View ArticleClassic Fake Photo: Golden Snake
A photo of a beautiful and unbelievable snake with bright gold skin has surfaced online. Is this golden-colored snake real or a hoax? The Photo was Altered for an Online Contest. This impressive photo...
View ArticleDebunked: Six Days of Darkness June 2015
Has NASA announced a period of six days of darkness which will occur in June through July 2015? That is the claim of a popular internet rumor, but it’s not the first time we’ve seen this claim. It’s...
View ArticleAbout that McDonald’s “$1 Fries Any Size” Graphic Circulating Online
A graphic circulating online shows a sign for $1 any size fries at McDonald’s through May 31, leading many customers to ask if it is real. It’s real, but it’s not a national promotion. The graphic...
View ArticleThe Real Mystery Force Behind the Charlie Charlie Challenge? Gravity.
A scary game called the Charlie Charlie Challenge has taken social media by storm over the past few days. Charlie Charlie Challenge Popularlized in part by the hashtag #charliecharliechallenge on...
View ArticleTime Magazine Covers: For And Against Summer Vacation?
A 2015 TIME magazine cover asking what happened to summer vacation has been compared against a 2010 cover making a case against summer vacation. TIME Covers The August 2, 2010 TIME cover featured an...
View ArticleHoax: Woman Gives Birth to 11 Babies
A graphic circulating online allegedly shows a set of 11 babies born to the same mother. Is this real or fake? It’s a hoax. The photo itself is real, and does shows 11 babies born on the same day – but...
View ArticleFake News: Taco Bell Isn’t Closing
A fake article circulating online claims that Taco Bell is closing due to false advertising and other allegations. Weekly World News The false report comes from Weekly World News, a tabloid rag...
View ArticleClassic Fake Photo: Bill Gates Isn’t Giving Away $5000 Per Share
A photo which has circulated online since 2013 shows Bill Gates offering $5,000 per Facebook share. Today we take a closer look at this image. It’s fake. The fake photo shows Gates holding a sign which...
View ArticleHoax: Galloway Wasn’t Runner-Up to Caitlyn Jenner’s Arthur Ashe Award
A meme circulating on social media claims that Caitlyn Jenner has won the Arthur Ashe Courage Award over Army veteran Noah Galloway. It’s not true. While it was announced on June 1, 2015 that Jenner is...
View ArticleKFC Sues Over 8-Legged “Spider” Chicken Rumors
KFC is seeking damages of over $240,000 from three Chinese firms it says has used social media to spread rumors about the company, such as the alleged use of an 8-legged chicken. Lawsuit The legal move...
View ArticleFalse News: Beatles Sons Form “The Shoots”
A false story circulating this week claims that four sons of members of The Beatles have joined to form a band called “The Shoots.” Satire The false story claims that four sons of former members of The...
View ArticleAbout Those Expired Cake Mix Warnings Circulating Online
A warning claims that expired cake mix or pancake mix can be lethal. Is this true or false? The warning is possible, but it is mostly an exaggeration of two isolated events. First, let’s take a look at...
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