Don't Automatically Believe It Just Because It's On Twitter

Yes, that's right, people...just because the news of Michael Jackson's and Farrah Fawcett's deaths broke on Twitter doesn't mean that you can believe every celebrity death mentioned on the micro-blogging service. For instance, singer Rick Astley and actors Natalie Portman and George Clooney were also "reported" to have died in the last week, and are still very much alive in spite of those reports. Look, people, social media is important, and I do enjoy some nice Twittering in the morning (afternoon, evening and late night), but just because Twitter reports it doesn't make it true.

Or does it? "The Colbert Report" delves into these and other issues, in mourning the "death" of Jeff Goldblum.

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Jeff Goldblum Will Be Missed
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor Jeff Goldblum

Comments

[VJ]

(In)Famous Jew Paul Krassner has the details on what happened here. The site from where the 'news' was 'collected' was clearly labeled as a 'satire site' and you too can generate any sort of similar dramatic news about any celebrity you desire: Via the Huffington Post, July 7th

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-krassner/behind-the-fake-report-of_b_226853.html

""This story was dynamically generated using a generic 'template' and is not factual. Any reference to specific individuals has been 100% fabricated by web site visitors who have created fake stories by entering a name into a blank 'non-specific' template for the purpose of entertainment. For sub-domain and additional use restrictions: FakeAWish.com."

The logo for "Fake a Wish -- Celeb Fake News Generator" is a solid red circle with the warning, "Bullshit." I'm instructed to "Enter a celebrity name to see a list of fake news items about them. I type "Jeff Goldblum," only to find out there are three other ways he died: "Actor Jeff Goldblum hospitalized after traffic altercation." "Luxury yacht sinks off coast of Tropez, France. Jeff Goldblum reported missing." "Jeff Goldblum presumed dead in private plane crash."

So almost funny, but still a tragic reminder of the miserable state of the news today. Someone might have called his agent too, right? Geez. Cheers & Good Luck, 'VJ'