SFU communication expert Richard Smith doesn’t share the belief that the Internet may be becoming a tool of mass hysteria. Some communication experts are theorizing that the Internet’s ability to make news go viral may be intensifying the spread of mass hysteria among girls in upstate New York. Medical experts believe the spasms, ticks and seizures the girls are suffering are evidence of mass mimicry of one or two legitimate occurrences of a medical disorder. Smith believes any potential spread of mass hysteria via the Internet would be counterbalanced by equally frequent use of the information highway to debunk allegations and speculation. “The problem lies in the gullibility factor and the decline of scientific rational thinking among the population of our neighbours to the south,” adds Smith.

Richard Smith, (availability today: 1:30-2p.m.; 4:00-4:10 p.m.; 4:25-4:55 p.m.; 778.782.5116, 604.653.6073 (cell), richard_smith@gnwc.ca, smirby@gmail.com