Before the internet, we had the telephone (instant communication), before the phone,(and telegraph), the only form of live news was voice. Today, with the internet connecting literally BILLIONS of people, a single comment can become the unverified truth in minutes.
My wife received the "Costa Rica Turtle Egg Harvest" email this morning. I've seen it before. This is a good example of someone using real pictures and falsifying a story. At first glance, you see what looks like a whole village of people gathering zillions of turtle eggs. The horrifying photos are accompanied by a story that claims the evil villagers are quickly sending the turtles towards extinction. Looks bad but remember that the same internet can be used to verify a story in seconds. Google 'Costa Rica Turtle Egg Harvest'.
I've received and heard of many such hoax emails. The turtle egg story might evoke strong emotions; how about the 'Nigerian Bank' scam. Google that one. Wow!!!
I still think the best way to spread rumors is face to face. At least that way you have a chance of backtracking to the originator of the rumor!! By the way, you know what I herd? Sheep. (works better verbally...) Ok, no more preaching but there will certainly be more bad jokes.
