Thursday, September 15, 2011

Internet Rumors and Innuendo


This post is not specific to Baja but to humanity in general. Let me apologize in advance to my 'lecturing' tone. I've tried to soften it.

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.

Apture