While there are few ways to be correct about something, there are countless ways to be wrong. So potential falsehoods greatly outnumber truths. Being vigilant against incorrect information requires effort. Some fibs are comforting, and most are benign — not worth the energy to inoculate.
Phillips offers great examples of authors, journalists, mapmakers, scammers, fraudsters, politicians, and medical quacks being misleading. Sometimes fiction spreads as a hoax inspired by mischief, amusement, or a desire for acceptance. Sometimes it spreads due to sensationalism or misinterpreted reports. Compelling lies often live on even after the truth is revealed. Rumors, popular delusions, mania, and panics frequently fall into self-reinforcing feedback loops.
Good luck out there, folks!