That assumption may turn out to be completely wrong.
The post could be about a retirement.
It could concern a family member.
It could refer to an old story.
It could involve a career setback.
It could even be a misleading headline created to attract clicks.
This is why emotional reactions should be separated from factual verification.
The Problem With Recycled Celebrity Stories
Another issue common on social media is the recycling of old news.
A story published years ago can suddenly reappear with a new headline.
Someone may share an old interview as if it happened today.
A photograph from a previous decade may be paired with a completely different claim.
Readers who do not notice the original publication date may believe the event is new.
This can be especially distressing when the subject is a celebrity.
