In the age of social media, information travels faster than ever before. A single post can reach thousands — sometimes millions — of people in a matter of hours. This unprecedented speed has brought many benefits: faster emergency alerts, stronger community connections, and greater access to information.

However, it has also created fertile ground for misinformation.

Among the most concerning forms of online misinformation are emotionally charged hoax posts, particularly those involving vulnerable individuals such as children. These posts often trigger strong emotional reactions — concern, fear, urgency — and encourage rapid sharing without verification.