Psst... Want 2 Kno a Secret?

By Melissa Daniels | Thu Mar 08, 2012 1:44 pm

People are unknowingly spreading false rumors in a world where gossip travels faster than ever, highlighting the downside of an addiction to "said-it-first" mentalities.

Recent incidents of misstated facts, falsified documents and widely circulated rumors show people are addicted to sharing information quickly. Speed often takes precedence over accuracy, increasing the amount of misinformation on the Internet.

Social media turns every user into a news source, and every status or Tweet could be the jumping off point for a big story. But just because an update presents as fact doesn't mean users should trust it -- and as users flock towards smartphones and race to be first to spread the news, there's a growing margin for error when it comes to veracity.

One hoax sent many Internet users over an outrage over something that never even happened. A picture of a restaurant receipt with a 1 percent tip on $133 bill went viral as millions of people on the Internet sounded off about the injustice and disrespect from the customer. But the receipt was a phony creation, proving users can be fooled as they quickly spread the link in attempts to be the first to introduce it to their friends.

Misinformation easily spreads during an emergency, as eyewitnesses and media outlets scramble to give updates. Expert media commentator Al Tompkins said eyewitnesses are often unreliable, while discussing the shooting at Chardon High School in Ohio. For example, tweeted photos of a boy with a gun did not depict the accused shooter, TJ Lane, but were easily understood as shots from the scene. As information flows from a number of sources about what's happening in one particular circumstance, it becomes difficult to discern what is the truth.

"As consumers of social media, part of our responsibility is to understand that you can't trust everything you read," Tompkins told a news affiliate in Ohio.

Similarly, social media offered real-time updates to the shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords in Arizona last year, and some news agencies reported she was killed when that was not the case. But hearing such a rumor at the scene, a reporter could easily take it as truth, especially under the devastating circumstances, and tweet it as a breaking news update.

In some circumstances, reliance on social media supersedes that of the local news, which can give greater weight to false information. In Mexico, two tweeters were arrested for spreading incorrect information about a drug cartel attack on a school. The rumors spawned chaos on the streets as panic parents tried to reach their children, resulting in 26 car accidents.

The two Twitter users believed the information they were sharing was correct, and though neither was at the scene, they trusted what they were hearing from others enough to tweet it out to the public, inciting panic.

Sharing information about consumer interests can also contribute to a hazy cloud of information. Rumors about a device feature or name that get leaked to one site can balloon into a near-truth, only revealed as a rumor after all. The case of "iPad HD" illustrates this tendency, as Apple chose to abandon a qualifying title for its third-generation iPad in favor of sticking with the name iPad.

The intention in sharing breaking news on Twitter often comes from a genuine desire to serve the best public interest, but false updates create confusion as they spread, misleading that interest until others tweet or post the corrected information.

An Indiana University research team developed Truthy, a program that tracks how memes spread and examine how Tweets become popular. With a mission to "detect political smears, astroturfing, misinformation, and other social pollution," Truthy can track a false Tweet back to where it started to pinpoint where the problem began.

Not just news outlets are responsible for sharing information anymore, since users with smartphones are likely to tweet or update real-life happenings as they unfold in front of their eyes. But such information is not necessarily reliable, either intentionally so or by accident, and when such news spreads on the Internet as an unprecedented speed, it may be moving too fast for the truth.

Thu Mar 08, 2012 4:06 pm | By
Happitaps released the iPhone Interactive Bear, a high-tech teddy for the youngest Apple fans, signaling that no age is too early to heed the iPhone's siren song.



Thu Mar 08, 2012 3:55 pm | By
Rovio plans to release "Angry Birds Space" across multiple platforms -- iOS, Android, Mac and PC -- on March 22, taking a high-risk, high-reward approach to the hugely-successful franchaise.

Thu Mar 08, 2012 3:47 pm | By
AT&T is quickly selling the new iPad, confounding expectations its limited 4G network would hamper its growth.

Thu Mar 08, 2012 3:31 pm | By
Colleges and employers are demanding access to private Facebook and Twitter profiles, as the debate over online privacy continues to escalate.

Thu Mar 08, 2012 3:18 pm | By
Verizon plans to release the LG Lucid, which runs an old Android operating system, on March 29, highlighting the Korean company's struggles and lagging product line.


Editorials & Opinion By Margaret Rock
A new set of badges are bringing young Boy and Girl Scouts into the 21st century, catering to an emerging group of "digital natives" integrating technological know-how into every aspect of their lives.

View the original article here

Kid Rock rocks out for Romney after secret meeting

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - It had all the fixings of a Mitt Romney rally, and then Kid Rock hit the stage.

On the eve of the Michigan primary, musician Kid Rock sang a live version of "Born Free," the official campaign song of the Romney campaign and a song that, until tonight, has only been heard in its recorded version, blaring through speakers at events from New Hampshire to Iowa to South Carolina, and everywhere in between.

"The other day I got in my car and I drove out to a home of a fellow that lives in this area, and I asked him whether he might come here tonight," said Romney, standing on a stage at the Royal Oak Music Theatre, surrounded by subwoofers and a drum set, the replica of the debt clock he so often uses to tout his economic dexterity was nowhere to be seen.

"I think you know him pretty well. He's a native son of Detroit, loves Michigan, loves Detroit. He's recently made quite a commitment - he said he's going to raise a million dollars for (the) Detroit symphony. He put a piece of paper in front of me. He'd written down some questions for me. He said first of all, he said, 'Mitt, if you're elected president, will you help me help the state of Michigan?' And I said I would," said Romney, teasing Kid Rock's performance that had only been described as a "surprise musical guest" in campaign advisories.

The odd couple - Romney a squeaky clean family man who obeys the pillars of his Mormon faith,  and Kid Rock, a Hollywood bad boy who has a sex tape and a criminal record - apparently met last week behind closed doors, when Romney went to the singer's suburban Michigan home on February 23.

The meeting lasted for about an hour, according to a campaign aide, who described it as a "warm and friendly conversation" during which the two discussed their "similar interests," including Romney's commitment to Michigan, Detroit and the troops.  Kid Rock recently pledged to play a charity concert to raise $1 million to go toward saving the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Romney has pledged his support of the state of Michigan again and again on the stump.

According to the aide, a representative from the Romney campaign had reached out to the musician, whose birth name is Bob Ritchie, when the Michigan campaign schedule began to finalize, requesting a live appearance after getting permission to play the audio of the song months earlier.

But Kid Rock insisted on meeting Romney in person, the aide said, a get-together that was attended by the candidate and at least one senior advisor. The day after the meeting, February 24, Kid Rock e-mailed Romney on his personal e-mail address and agreed to perform at tonight's rally.

Romney himself characterized the conversation with Kid Rock in his introduction to the singer this evening, recalling how the singer didn't agree to perform until he made some promises too.

"He said, 'If you're elected president, will you help me help the city of Detroit?' I said I would. And then I turned to him, and I said, 'By the way, given the fact that I'm willing to do those things, will you come here and perform a concert tonight for my friends, and he said he would," said Romney. "So I'm happy to introduce a son of Detroit, a friend, a guy who makes great music, who introduces me by DVD everywhere I go - Kid Rock!"

As Kid Rock belted out the lyrics to "Born Free," Romney and his wife Ann stood and listened, tapping their feet, clapping and whistling in support.

Jumping back on stage after the song, Romney shook hands with Kid Rock and the musician kissed Ann on the cheek, the trio exchanging pleasantries as the crowd of hundreds cheered and the rest of the band began to put their electric guitars back in cases, readying to jump on the road for their next gig - -scheduled in a few days in Texas.

Turning to address the crowd for one more time before polls open tomorrow morning, Romney's microphone wasn't turned on, forcing him - after some coaxing from Ann - to take Kid Rock's microphone.

"Not to be confused with the real artist," Romney quipped. "Thanks, you guys. It's great for you to be here. I appreciate it so much. Thanks to Kid Rock. Thank you to Kid Rock and to his band. These guys did a great job. Real kind of them."

"You guys, thank you so very much. We love you. Thank you. Have a great night. See you tomorrow, and a big victory."

Also Read

View the original article here

Kid Rock rocks out for Romney after secret meeting

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - It had all the fixings of a Mitt Romney rally, and then Kid Rock hit the stage.

On the eve of the Michigan primary, musician Kid Rock sang a live version of "Born Free," the official campaign song of the Romney campaign and a song that, until tonight, has only been heard in its recorded version, blaring through speakers at events from New Hampshire to Iowa to South Carolina, and everywhere in between.

"The other day I got in my car and I drove out to a home of a fellow that lives in this area, and I asked him whether he might come here tonight," said Romney, standing on a stage at the Royal Oak Music Theatre, surrounded by subwoofers and a drum set, the replica of the debt clock he so often uses to tout his economic dexterity was nowhere to be seen.

"I think you know him pretty well. He's a native son of Detroit, loves Michigan, loves Detroit. He's recently made quite a commitment - he said he's going to raise a million dollars for (the) Detroit symphony. He put a piece of paper in front of me. He'd written down some questions for me. He said first of all, he said, 'Mitt, if you're elected president, will you help me help the state of Michigan?' And I said I would," said Romney, teasing Kid Rock's performance that had only been described as a "surprise musical guest" in campaign advisories.

The odd couple - Romney a squeaky clean family man who obeys the pillars of his Mormon faith,  and Kid Rock, a Hollywood bad boy who has a sex tape and a criminal record - apparently met last week behind closed doors, when Romney went to the singer's suburban Michigan home on February 23.

The meeting lasted for about an hour, according to a campaign aide, who described it as a "warm and friendly conversation" during which the two discussed their "similar interests," including Romney's commitment to Michigan, Detroit and the troops.  Kid Rock recently pledged to play a charity concert to raise $1 million to go toward saving the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Romney has pledged his support of the state of Michigan again and again on the stump.

According to the aide, a representative from the Romney campaign had reached out to the musician, whose birth name is Bob Ritchie, when the Michigan campaign schedule began to finalize, requesting a live appearance after getting permission to play the audio of the song months earlier.

But Kid Rock insisted on meeting Romney in person, the aide said, a get-together that was attended by the candidate and at least one senior advisor. The day after the meeting, February 24, Kid Rock e-mailed Romney on his personal e-mail address and agreed to perform at tonight's rally.

Romney himself characterized the conversation with Kid Rock in his introduction to the singer this evening, recalling how the singer didn't agree to perform until he made some promises too.

"He said, 'If you're elected president, will you help me help the city of Detroit?' I said I would. And then I turned to him, and I said, 'By the way, given the fact that I'm willing to do those things, will you come here and perform a concert tonight for my friends, and he said he would," said Romney. "So I'm happy to introduce a son of Detroit, a friend, a guy who makes great music, who introduces me by DVD everywhere I go - Kid Rock!"

As Kid Rock belted out the lyrics to "Born Free," Romney and his wife Ann stood and listened, tapping their feet, clapping and whistling in support.

Jumping back on stage after the song, Romney shook hands with Kid Rock and the musician kissed Ann on the cheek, the trio exchanging pleasantries as the crowd of hundreds cheered and the rest of the band began to put their electric guitars back in cases, readying to jump on the road for their next gig - -scheduled in a few days in Texas.

Turning to address the crowd for one more time before polls open tomorrow morning, Romney's microphone wasn't turned on, forcing him - after some coaxing from Ann - to take Kid Rock's microphone.

"Not to be confused with the real artist," Romney quipped. "Thanks, you guys. It's great for you to be here. I appreciate it so much. Thanks to Kid Rock. Thank you to Kid Rock and to his band. These guys did a great job. Real kind of them."

"You guys, thank you so very much. We love you. Thank you. Have a great night. See you tomorrow, and a big victory."

Also Read

View the original article here

Kid Rock rocks out for Romney after secret meeting

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - It had all the fixings of a Mitt Romney rally, and then Kid Rock hit the stage.

On the eve of the Michigan primary, musician Kid Rock sang a live version of "Born Free," the official campaign song of the Romney campaign and a song that, until tonight, has only been heard in its recorded version, blaring through speakers at events from New Hampshire to Iowa to South Carolina, and everywhere in between.

"The other day I got in my car and I drove out to a home of a fellow that lives in this area, and I asked him whether he might come here tonight," said Romney, standing on a stage at the Royal Oak Music Theatre, surrounded by subwoofers and a drum set, the replica of the debt clock he so often uses to tout his economic dexterity was nowhere to be seen.

"I think you know him pretty well. He's a native son of Detroit, loves Michigan, loves Detroit. He's recently made quite a commitment - he said he's going to raise a million dollars for (the) Detroit symphony. He put a piece of paper in front of me. He'd written down some questions for me. He said first of all, he said, 'Mitt, if you're elected president, will you help me help the state of Michigan?' And I said I would," said Romney, teasing Kid Rock's performance that had only been described as a "surprise musical guest" in campaign advisories.

The odd couple - Romney a squeaky clean family man who obeys the pillars of his Mormon faith,  and Kid Rock, a Hollywood bad boy who has a sex tape and a criminal record - apparently met last week behind closed doors, when Romney went to the singer's suburban Michigan home on February 23.

The meeting lasted for about an hour, according to a campaign aide, who described it as a "warm and friendly conversation" during which the two discussed their "similar interests," including Romney's commitment to Michigan, Detroit and the troops.  Kid Rock recently pledged to play a charity concert to raise $1 million to go toward saving the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Romney has pledged his support of the state of Michigan again and again on the stump.

According to the aide, a representative from the Romney campaign had reached out to the musician, whose birth name is Bob Ritchie, when the Michigan campaign schedule began to finalize, requesting a live appearance after getting permission to play the audio of the song months earlier.

But Kid Rock insisted on meeting Romney in person, the aide said, a get-together that was attended by the candidate and at least one senior advisor. The day after the meeting, February 24, Kid Rock e-mailed Romney on his personal e-mail address and agreed to perform at tonight's rally.

Romney himself characterized the conversation with Kid Rock in his introduction to the singer this evening, recalling how the singer didn't agree to perform until he made some promises too.

"He said, 'If you're elected president, will you help me help the city of Detroit?' I said I would. And then I turned to him, and I said, 'By the way, given the fact that I'm willing to do those things, will you come here and perform a concert tonight for my friends, and he said he would," said Romney. "So I'm happy to introduce a son of Detroit, a friend, a guy who makes great music, who introduces me by DVD everywhere I go - Kid Rock!"

As Kid Rock belted out the lyrics to "Born Free," Romney and his wife Ann stood and listened, tapping their feet, clapping and whistling in support.

Jumping back on stage after the song, Romney shook hands with Kid Rock and the musician kissed Ann on the cheek, the trio exchanging pleasantries as the crowd of hundreds cheered and the rest of the band began to put their electric guitars back in cases, readying to jump on the road for their next gig - -scheduled in a few days in Texas.

Turning to address the crowd for one more time before polls open tomorrow morning, Romney's microphone wasn't turned on, forcing him - after some coaxing from Ann - to take Kid Rock's microphone.

"Not to be confused with the real artist," Romney quipped. "Thanks, you guys. It's great for you to be here. I appreciate it so much. Thanks to Kid Rock. Thank you to Kid Rock and to his band. These guys did a great job. Real kind of them."

"You guys, thank you so very much. We love you. Thank you. Have a great night. See you tomorrow, and a big victory."

Also Read

View the original article here

Kid Rock rocks out for Romney after secret meeting

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - It had all the fixings of a Mitt Romney rally, and then Kid Rock hit the stage.

On the eve of the Michigan primary, musician Kid Rock sang a live version of "Born Free," the official campaign song of the Romney campaign and a song that, until tonight, has only been heard in its recorded version, blaring through speakers at events from New Hampshire to Iowa to South Carolina, and everywhere in between.

"The other day I got in my car and I drove out to a home of a fellow that lives in this area, and I asked him whether he might come here tonight," said Romney, standing on a stage at the Royal Oak Music Theatre, surrounded by subwoofers and a drum set, the replica of the debt clock he so often uses to tout his economic dexterity was nowhere to be seen.

"I think you know him pretty well. He's a native son of Detroit, loves Michigan, loves Detroit. He's recently made quite a commitment - he said he's going to raise a million dollars for (the) Detroit symphony. He put a piece of paper in front of me. He'd written down some questions for me. He said first of all, he said, 'Mitt, if you're elected president, will you help me help the state of Michigan?' And I said I would," said Romney, teasing Kid Rock's performance that had only been described as a "surprise musical guest" in campaign advisories.

The odd couple - Romney a squeaky clean family man who obeys the pillars of his Mormon faith,  and Kid Rock, a Hollywood bad boy who has a sex tape and a criminal record - apparently met last week behind closed doors, when Romney went to the singer's suburban Michigan home on February 23.

The meeting lasted for about an hour, according to a campaign aide, who described it as a "warm and friendly conversation" during which the two discussed their "similar interests," including Romney's commitment to Michigan, Detroit and the troops.  Kid Rock recently pledged to play a charity concert to raise $1 million to go toward saving the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Romney has pledged his support of the state of Michigan again and again on the stump.

According to the aide, a representative from the Romney campaign had reached out to the musician, whose birth name is Bob Ritchie, when the Michigan campaign schedule began to finalize, requesting a live appearance after getting permission to play the audio of the song months earlier.

But Kid Rock insisted on meeting Romney in person, the aide said, a get-together that was attended by the candidate and at least one senior advisor. The day after the meeting, February 24, Kid Rock e-mailed Romney on his personal e-mail address and agreed to perform at tonight's rally.

Romney himself characterized the conversation with Kid Rock in his introduction to the singer this evening, recalling how the singer didn't agree to perform until he made some promises too.

"He said, 'If you're elected president, will you help me help the city of Detroit?' I said I would. And then I turned to him, and I said, 'By the way, given the fact that I'm willing to do those things, will you come here and perform a concert tonight for my friends, and he said he would," said Romney. "So I'm happy to introduce a son of Detroit, a friend, a guy who makes great music, who introduces me by DVD everywhere I go - Kid Rock!"

As Kid Rock belted out the lyrics to "Born Free," Romney and his wife Ann stood and listened, tapping their feet, clapping and whistling in support.

Jumping back on stage after the song, Romney shook hands with Kid Rock and the musician kissed Ann on the cheek, the trio exchanging pleasantries as the crowd of hundreds cheered and the rest of the band began to put their electric guitars back in cases, readying to jump on the road for their next gig - -scheduled in a few days in Texas.

Turning to address the crowd for one more time before polls open tomorrow morning, Romney's microphone wasn't turned on, forcing him - after some coaxing from Ann - to take Kid Rock's microphone.

"Not to be confused with the real artist," Romney quipped. "Thanks, you guys. It's great for you to be here. I appreciate it so much. Thanks to Kid Rock. Thank you to Kid Rock and to his band. These guys did a great job. Real kind of them."

"You guys, thank you so very much. We love you. Thank you. Have a great night. See you tomorrow, and a big victory."

Also Read

View the original article here