Do you assume what people write on social media is true?

[Puzzledtraveller]

Forums such as DU, and sites like Facebook, chats?

You read or hear about how different agencies are using and relying so much on what people say and do on the internet but I find it odd because from my first time engaging in a online social gathering (AOL chatrooms) I never assumed people were being honest. Not so much as an intent to deliberately deceive but more like the medium allows for embellishing and creative license.

People can dot their Facebook posts with true to life information, details and also make things up as they like for example. I would think that in such an environment where doubt can be so easily cast that using social media as investigative tools can be challenging and embarrassing.

Of course the inverse could be the case and that people all to frequently reveal the truest details of their lives at their own risk. If official agencies are aware that this more likely the norm then it would be advantageous to periodically make up crap.

Of course DU can be an example. You can have heated discussions, downright fights and really get emotionally invested for what could really be all show. I chalk it up to my cynicism and general misanthropic points of view.