iPhone 5 screw rumour was a test to explore internet credibility

August 14th, 2012, 13:56 Posted By: wraggster

3D sketch of an 'Apple-made' nut was added to Reddit before the blogosphere exploded.
Graphics firm Day4 started a rumour last week, suggesting that Apple was adding its own screws to the iPhone 5 to make it particularly difficult to unlock the device when users want to get it repaired, modified etc.
The hoax was launched on the basis that people will read something and instantly believe or dismiss it regardless of the source, as the tech world continues to become a place of speculation, whispers and unnamed tip offs surrounding new products.
In this instance, the Day4 team selected social sharing site Reddit to anonymously upload a 3D image (of their own design) depicting an impractical screw with the text: "A friend took a photo a while ago at that fruit company, they are obviously even creating their own screws."
Under 12 hours later and Cult of Mac had reported on the 'leak', while more reports followed, along with tweets from outraged fans.
Worryingly, Day4 estimates that 90 per cent of people believed the screw rumour was true, despite the fact Apple hasn't released any information to support the existence of an iPhone 5 at all.

http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/read/...ibility/019012

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