7. "100% the internet gives power to the powerless. " In response to In response to 5
Which can be a great thing. But anybody can abuse power. AND the internet gives the ability for the powerful to masquerade as the powerless to manipulate people.
We've seen how the Russians used the net to manipulate people and there is no reason to believe corporations or people with bad intent are behind any rumor you hear on the net that doesn't have a source.
All the examples you named, someone came forth and stood by their statement. I will never 100% trust anonymously sourced info found on the webs no matter how much it is repeated.
********** "Everyone has a plan until you punch them in the face. Then they don't have a plan anymore." (c) Mike Tyson