‘Mask of the Beast’
A questionable photograph’s spread shows how disinformation is laundered across social media.
Fact Checks
Did Dr. Fauci Say “I Don’t Know How to Explain to You That You Should Care for Other People”?
In mid-2020, the quote “I don’t know how to explain to you you should care for other people” was attributed to Dr. Anthony Fauci, not its actual originator Lauren Morrill.
Is the 2005 Film ‘V for Vendetta’ About a Virus — and Set in 2020?
In June 2020, a viral post maintained the 2005 film “V for Vendetta” was set in the year 2020, and that it centered around the use of a virus to control people.
Is Kroger’s ‘Change Shortage’ Fee Being Applied to Credit and Debit Transactions?
Kroger began imposing a “change shortage” fee in mid-2020, but some social media posts claimed that customers paying with plastic were also hit with the fee.
‘Might Get One of These for the Garden’ Video
Described as a “socially distanced roller coaster,” a video of a woman being whipped around by a robotic arm went viral on social media.
Did Barack Obama Take Hydroxychloroquine in 2008?
A right-wing talk radio host tried to gin up outrage against the former United States president with a photo of a whole other prescription.
The #FreeBritney Movement, Explained
Virally popular posts purportedly describe the conditions of pop star Britney Spears’ conservatorship, and fans believe the star is sending coded messages.
Did Betsy DeVos Say ‘Only .02 Percent’ of Students Would Die if Schools Reopened?
Posts claiming that the Trump administration’s Education Secretary said that “only .02 percent” of children would die from COVID-19 if schools reopened circulated — along with an estimate of nearly 15,000 reopening-related deaths.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Guards Can’t Drink for Life, Must Live in Underground Barracks?
A lengthy social media post about purported requirements for Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Sentinels included claims about lifetime bans on drinking and swearing.
Did Dave Ramsey Warn Against a Cashless Society Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Viral missives rail about the ills of a cashless society, but they didn’t start to spread until the financial commentator’s name was attached.