The internet is a blackhole full of information, content and people that create a culture within our society. Internet hoaxes have become a common theme within all aspects of social platforms. Why? There are many theories. My own personal theory aligns with what most people would first think of; to gain attention and have a sense of power and influence within such a big community. Now a days, it is so easy to believe the first thing you read or see, especially since everyone is so eager to release the next best piece of content for fame and traction. Some examples of the many internet hoaxes that have been curated by users online include fake deaths of celebrities, misleading information about social media platforms, and fake movements/charities with the intent of just gaining focus. For example, many influencers were manipulated into posting an orange tile on their instagram and twitter accounts to promote “Fyre Festival”, which in essence was a hoax and did not exist.

You vs the guy she tells you not to worry about. #fyrefest pic.twitter.com/cGENg93GBV

— Jordan VanDina (@Shrimptooth) April 28, 2017

This glorified “Fyre Festival” was an absolute disaster and was mainly pointed to get people talking about a fantasy that simply did not exist. The power that the internet has creates bloodthirsty users who crave power and attention to abuse it. I believe that internet hoax’s are harmful if not used in an appropriate context (such as a meme). On the other hand, a hoax can create awareness, therefore educating people to think twice and check themselves before digging a hole too deep to uncover.

Huge thanks to all of the citizen & pro journalists who contributed & RT'd. We helped end #FyreFestival's fraud before more people got hurt!

— FyreFestivalFraud (@FyreFraud) April 28, 2017

Read more about viral hoax: https://beta.washingtonpost.com/technology/2019/08/21/this-viral-instagram-hoax-duped-a-listers-man-overseeing-our-nuclear-arsenal/?noredirect=on