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When it comes to the consumption of information on the internet, particularly in times of crisis, context is everything. As a reporter for the fact-checking website Snopes, it is my job to verify viral stories, social media posts, and memes to determine their legitimacy. Rarely do we see a post that is purely "true" or "false," and more often than not, we come across claims or rumors that lack important nuance.
Creators of online disinformation spread rumors that justify feelings or existing beliefs, sometimes intentionally and other times accidentally, writes my Snopes colleague and fellow reporter Jessica Lee. In moments of controversy, it's human nature to want answers and explanations. Bad actors take advantage of that to spread falsehoods online, inciting emotions and further polarizing groups of opposing ideologies.
At Snopes, we've covered a wide range of rumors about Russia's attack on...
Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has criticised President Bola Tinubu for relying on claims by United States President Donald Trump regarding the reported killing of senior Islamic ...