A new Politico poll just confirmed that nearly half of voters surveyed — a whopping 46% — think the media makes up stories about the president, while just 37% believe they do not. Meanwhile, actual fabricated articles and online hoaxes have had a negative impact on how Americans view the media and their public officials. While companies like Facebook have promised to do a better job of filtering out fake news stories from the masses, Italy is taking a more ambitious step.
Starting later this month, the Italian government will be rolling out a program to 8,000 high schools across the country that teaches students how to deal with fake news. In addition to training students how to identify fabricated stories, Italian journalists from national broadcaster RAI will also contribute to lessons on how not to disseminate fake news and conspiracy theories, how to demand evidence from those sharing questionable sources, and to always remember things on the web can be manipulated. Italian officials hope the lesson plans will serve as a defense against fabricated information that can be weaponized to sway elections and undermine democratic norms.
“Fake news drips drops of poison into our daily web diet and we end up infected without even realizing it,” Laura Boldrini, the president of the Italian lower house of Parliament, told The New York Times. “It’s only right to give these kids the possibility to defend themselves from lies.”
Italy isn’t the only one attempting to fight the rise of fake news. Members at the 70th National Newspaper Convention, hosted by the Japan Newspaper Publishers and Editors Association, recently adopted a resolution that papers will “contribute to people living safely and with peace of mind, and aim to realise a free and peaceful society, through free speech and a free press.” Children’s book giant Scholastic created a primer on how to spot made-up articles, and even Pope Francis has announced he will take on the topic, giving a speech on “Fake news and journalism for peace” for World Communications Day 2018.
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Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.