‘Tax Refund Shock’
Each holiday season is followed by “tax refund season” in the United States, but a popular Imgur post hinted that 2023’s might involve smaller refunds.
Viral Content
‘Established Titles’ Controversy
In November 2022, controversy over “Established Titles” and its purported conference of the titles “Lord” and “Lady” emerged on social media.
‘Buffalo, NY. Look at All That Snow ???? ❄️’
Heavy mid-November 2022 snowfall blanketed Buffalo, but one viral Facebook post showed a weather event from 2014, not 2022.
Were Elon Musk and Donald Trump Both Complaining About ‘Activists’?
The Twitter owner’s complaint was held up as a mirror to what the former president might say.
Claussen ‘Pickle Candy Corn’
A doctored image of Claussen “pickle candy corn” repeatedly spread on social media, but there’s no evidence it ever existed.
A Florida Attorney Opposed to Helmet Laws Died in a Motorcycle Crash
The death of Florida lawyer Ron Smith in a motorcycle accident made international headlines due to his vocal opposition to helmet laws.
‘Pornstar Brandon Cummings … Arrested After Beating Up 35 Neo-Nazi’s’
A nearly extinct genre of satirical news returned in October 2022, with a viral story about “pornstar Brandon Cummings” of the series “Let’s Go Brandon.”
Why Texas Schools Send Parents DNA Kits for ‘Emergencies’
In October 2022, news about the introduction of DNA tests in Texas schools circulated among dismayed readers and commenters.
Alaska Snow Crab Season Canceled
In October 2022, several social media posts addressed the cancellation of snow crab season in Alaska — due to unprecedented conditions.
‘With an Insurance Card You’re Entitled to Four Free Boxes of Two Covid Tests Per Month from CVS or Walgreens’
In October 2022, a viral tweet suggested that Americans “with an insurance card” were “entitled to four free boxes” of COVID-19 tests from CVS or Walgreens.