Reading Report #1

"Web Hoaxes, Counterfeit Sites, and Other Spurious Information on the Internet"
by: Paul S. Piper

There are a variety of websites on the internet that can offer misinformation to unsuspecting individuals. These sites can be hoaxes, counterfeit sites, fictitious sites, sites that have been hacked, and parody/spoof websites. Even sites that we rely on to stay “in the loop” of society, such as the news, have been affected by different levels of misinformation. 

Many counterfeit sites contain similar information and url addresses as the authentic sites they are trying to represent. Unlike counterfeit sites, fictitious and parody/spoof websites may be more easy to recognize for their lack of authenticity: humorous or very outrageous website designs and information.

Also, some of these misinformation/disinformation websites are subject-specific and can contain suspicious material with serious consequences. For example, as listed in the article, websites with misinformation about health care can be seriously detrimental to someone’s health and can even result in casualties. Serious social phenomenons have also been the topic for misinformation, such as 9/11 and the Holocaust. The article mentions how The Institute for Historical Review, for example, is a website that is trying to claim the Holocaust and all of its atrocities never happened.

I believe there is a definite need for internet users to be aware of misinformation sites. Some websites are more easy to recognize for their lack of authenticity than others. More information about how to recognize these websites should be accessible to the general public. One of the most serious consequences from misinformation can result in serious injuries or casualties. I do agree with the article that not all misinformation is a bad thing. When studying any part of society, individuals need a clear depiction of why two opposing forces feel so strongly about their position. With this in mind, even though one of these websites can be biased and misinforming to support a point, it can still provide viable information when researching opposing points of view and controversial topics. Even though these websites have some positive aspects, individuals should still have a basic knowledge of how to distinguish the informative from the misinformed.