Technology promises convenience and connection, yet it has become one of the most effective delivery systems for modern scams. In 2024, cybercriminals exploit our dependence on digital tools with unprecedented sophistication—using artificial intelligence, deepfake technology, and psychological manipulation to steal billions from individuals and organizations. Unlike traditional fraud, tech scams operate at scale, targeting thousands … Read more
In an information ecosystem designed to capture attention rather than distribute truth, compelling narratives have become the default currency. But without the anchoring weight of verifiable facts, narratives quickly devolve into fiction—often with global consequences. The modern media landscape is an endless sea of competing stories. How do we find the signal in the noise? … Read more
Investigative Health Health Myths That Refuse to Disappear Why science-backed reality often loses the battle to viral misinformation. The last 25 years have seen a digital explosion of medical advice. While access to information has increased, so has the “illusory truth effect”—the tendency to believe false information simply because it is repeated. From fraudulent studies … Read more
Crypto Fraud: Interpol Arrests and Funds Intercepted Interpol’s July 2026 operation resulted in over 5,800 arrests and the interception of USD 293 million tied to crypto-related fraud, marking one of the largest global crackdowns on digital asset scams. The coordinated effort across 76 countries highlights the scale and sophistication of crypto-enabled financial deception. Interpol’s July … Read more
Astroturfing Media Control Tactics Astroturfing Media Control Tactics Corporate-sponsored narratives are increasingly masquerading as grassroots movements, blurring the line between authentic public sentiment and manufactured consent. A recent article in The Manila Times about AstroTurf® surfacing at Helfaer Field illustrates how industry-backed messaging can be repackaged as community-driven progress, raising questions about transparency in local … Read more
Climate Disinformation Evolution Climate Disinformation Evolution Climate disinformation is shifting from overt denial to sophisticated manipulation, leveraging AI-generated content and “greenlash” narratives to undermine environmental action. New tactics exploit emotional triggers and emerging technologies, making it harder to distinguish fact from fiction in public discourse. In recent years, climate disinformation has evolved from outright denial … Read more
Baby Rattlesnake Myth Debunked New research from ScienceDaily dismantles a long-standing belief that baby rattlesnakes cannot control their venom, revealing that all rattlesnakes—regardless of age—can deliver a medically significant bite. The findings underscore the importance of treating every rattlesnake encounter with caution, as even juvenile snakes pose a real threat to human safety. For decades, … Read more
North Carolina Passes Crypto ATM Regulations to Fight Fraud North Carolina has enacted 17 new laws aimed at curbing financial fraud, including the first state-level regulations specifically targeting crypto ATMs. The move follows rising reports of scams exploiting these machines, which allow users to buy cryptocurrency with cash without traditional banking oversight. In July 2026, … Read more
AstroTurf Upgrade at Ashburn Field Raises Questions An MLB-backed field renovation in Virginia is drawing scrutiny over whether corporate sponsorship of youth sports infrastructure functions as a form of astroturfing. The upgrade at Ashburn Field coincides with All-Star Week initiatives, prompting questions about transparency, influence, and the long-term effects on community sports programs. In July … Read more
Misinformation AI Impacts Media Landscape AI-generated content is increasingly saturating the media ecosystem, blurring the line between fact and fabrication. Faculty experts at Ohio University examine how “AI slop” is reshaping journalism, public trust, and the mechanisms available to detect and counter synthetic misinformation. The rapid proliferation of generative artificial intelligence has given rise to … Read more
