Reading Report #1

In the article “Web Hoaxes, Counterfeit Sites, and Other Spurious Information on the Internet,” a detailed overview of misinformation being presented on the internet is given. First, it speaks of true counterfeit sites. These sites are the most problematic because they tend to be the most harmful and malicious against the individual/individuals that they target. The article continues on about suspicious websites. Majority of these articles have blatant dishonest information posted. For example, one of these websites denied the occurrence of the European Holocaust. In addition, the article touches on how even news professionals are vulnerable to believing misinformation. Charity scams are one of the many web hoaxes that occur. These are particularly deceiving and occur after any disaster. Unfortunately, the list of web hoaxes continues on and on, including: subject-specific misinformation, fictitious sites, parodies and spoofs, hackers, etc. In conclusion of the article, multiple websites are listed to help track and spot these internet hoaxes.


I have to say that I was in shock after reading this article. I never really thought about all the hoaxes that could be out there. Before reading this article, I typically would not think twice about whether a website’s information was true or not. Now I will. Some of the examples that were given throughout the article were simply appalling to me. For example, the counterfeit website created against Martin Luther King Junior. I realize now exactly how information can be extremely dangerous, specifically on the internet. Pretty much anyone can make a website that is compiled of solely fabricated information. The ability of people to discern between what is fact and what is fictitious is particularly important. I think that people need to keep in mind that misinformation is within the internet and the media. Also I think that if people do come across any sort of web hoax, they need to report this to any of the websites that help deal with internet hoaxes. This article definitely reminded me not to believe everything that I read or hear, even if it’s from the media, and to evaluate all information first.