‘Judge Rules That Britney Spears is Allowed to Commit Crimes’
A screenshot of a purported headline about the pop star circulated on social media after it was decoupled from its original source.
2021
‘Searches For How To Send A Resignation Email Rose 3,450% on Google in the Past 3 Months’
Amid national discussions around the American labor force, a Twitter account claimed that searches for “how to send a resignation email” spiked 3,450 percent in the preceding three months.
Betty White ‘Donald Trump’ Veterans Day Tweet
“Betty White” was a feature of Twitter’s trending list on November 11 2021, and a screenshot of a purported tweet attributed to the cultural icon took advantage of the algorithmic boost.
Sweden Twitter ‘My Best Advice …’ Meme
A purported screenshot from Sweden’s verified @Sweden Twitter account contained risqué advice about how to master a common sex act.
‘John Tyler, America’s Tenth President, Was Born in 1790. He Has A Living Grandson’
A screenshot of a tweet suggested that the tenth American president (John Tyler, born in 1790) had a living grandson in November 2021.
‘Can’t Help Myself’ Robot Arm
A Facebook post told the oddly touching story of a purported piece of art entitled “Can’t Help Myself,” featuring a relatably sad robot arm.
‘Recipes Cannot Be Copyright Protected Unless Accompanied By Substantial Literary Expression’?
Is that really why food bloggers tell long stories preceding the recipe?
James Webb Space Telescope, December 18th Facebook Post
A viral post described both the James Webb Telescope and a purported event anticipated on December 18 2021.
Houston Police Attempt to Link ‘Drug Spiking’ to Fatal Astroworld Concert
Networks uncritically took the local police chief’s claim as “confirmation.”
Cannibal Corpse ‘My Home is Full of Skulls’ Meme
A long-circulating meme that centers around purported songs by death metal band Cannibal Corpse went viral on Twitter in November 2021.