follow journalism_news at http://twitter.com


About Us Journalism books Email
 

The misinformation age

Is this the information age, or the misinformation age?

Would you be able to spot an e-mail or internet scam before falling for its charm?

Many people forward chain e-mails which threaten a curse if you don't.

Others can unleash real technical problems inside your computer. There is a third kind which warns you about medical problems associated with everyday items - and they can cause real worry to people.

So what can you do to avoid being caught out? Obvious "hooks" like free gifts, vague medical information, chain-mail language or promises of money catch out even the most experienced users.

These web sites will show you some of the scams and how to tackle them:


www.stiller.com;
www.nonprofit.net.





E-mail this story to a friend. Your name:

Your friend's e-mail:


Jobsmake the next move in your journalism career Registernews and jobs updates direct to your desktop rss feed Photographylatest news for press, agency & freelancers Dailywhat's its circulation? who's the editor? Freelance indexSee our searchable list for freelance help Weeklywant to find a weekly? use our vast database Funniesquirky stories and unusual headlines Story ideasshort of story ideas? click here! Awardswon an award? let us know As featured on News Now Campaignsnewspapers fighting for their communities Contactsforget your Filofax! go straight to the horse's mouth Glossarysearch the database to help you out Website reviewsmore than 1,600 sites reviewed to save you time