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Misinformation in the Modern Age

1983

Hello World! The Internet was born.

1998

Google takes search to the next level.

2004

Facebook becomes one of the first social networks.

2007

Apple announces iPhone increasing Internet usage.

2008

The "birther movement" questions Barack Obama's birthplace.

2012

Sandy Hook shooting occurs and soon after conspiracy theories denying the deaths of 20 kindergarteners and 6 adults spread.

2014

The term "Fake News" becomes popular.

2016

Facebook denies Russian interference.

2016

Pizzagate conspiracy theory leads to shooting.

2017

Q first posts cryptic messages to 4chan. QAnon begins.

2017

Social media executives appear at congressional hearings to discuss election interference.

2019

COVID-19 is discovered in China.

2019

Infowars founder Alex Jones loses in court over his Sandy Hook shooting conspiracy theories.

2020

COVID-19 shuts down the world. Health misinformation swarms. People are isolated at home with the internet.

2021

Capitol Attacks occur after Donald Trump incites violence at a rally.