Wrong!
Thetruthis that most people, even those who are otherwisecritical, media-savvy skeptics, believe a significant portion of the things that arrive in their inbox, even the things that aren't true.
Most of us have heard the story of
and the cookie recipe that cost $250. While the idea of revenge against a big, evil corporation that hasno concept of customer service is appealing, this story never took place. But it sure sounds like it could happen, doesn't it?
Click on the picture to see this myth debunked:
So how come these storiestrickus?
1. They often begin by asking if we've heard about the story on the news or implying that though the story should be on the news, the media is ignoring it.
And who really reads all the way through the paper these days anyway?
2. They include lots of specific details; the story seems real.
3. They employ technical jargon (particularly in the case of Computer Virus Hoaxes).
Click here to access a website devoted to cataloging computer virus hoaxes.