‘NyQuil Chicken Challenge,’ Explained
In September 2022, the FDA warned against “NyQuil chicken,” purportedly due to a TikTok “challenge” or “trend.”
not actually a trend
‘Squirrel Teeth’ Fashion Trend
Creative looks on Instagram and Facebook are often reframed as a novel “fashion trend,” regardless of how plausible “squirrel teeth” might be.
‘This Photo of Chick-Fil-A Honoring Fallen Soldiers on Memorial Day Is Triggering Liberals’
A photograph of a memorial table at a Chick-Fil-A honoring fallen soldiers is real, but it’s not “triggering liberals across social media.”
Was Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Named Goya’s ‘Employee of the Month’?
Social media commentators and political blogs claimed that the legislator, who is also referred to as “AOC,” was named Goya’s “employee of the month” after she suggested boycotting the brand in 2020.
‘Dear Neighbor, You Have Been Identified As a Trump Supporter’ Flyers
Vaguely threatening “Dear neighbor, you have been identified as a Trump supporter” letters were purportedly spotted in several states, but apparently only one or two copies exist.
‘Happy Banned Books Week, Here Are the Ten Most Banned Books in US Libraries and Schools’
A viral Facebook post beginning “Happy Banned Books Week” was swiftly followed by a correction which was nearly as popular.
Would 38 Percent of Americans Not Buy Corona Beer over Coronavirus Fears?
Outlandish “surveys” (like one claiming that a large portions of Americans won’t drink Corona beer because of coronavirus fears) get repeated verbatim by outlets like CNN, giving free press to public relations firms.
Was a Toddler Subjected to Months of Abuse Because of a ‘Cookie’ Analogy?
A viral post presents good advice in the form of a relatable parable, but is it a realistic concern?
Starbucks 20-Ounce Venti vs. 12-Ounce Grande Video Experiment
A Facebook video of purported similarities in volume between a Starbucks Venti and Starbucks Grande cup has gone viral, leading some readers to believe the sizes are a scam.
Did a Swedish Scientist Propose Cannibalism to Fight Climate Change?
Cannibalism can’t “combat” climate change, so why are so many outlets suggesting otherwise?