All through history, those who controlled information, molded public opinion by choosing what information to give and how to present it. Mass media was controlled by journalists who confirmed the information, filtered it, and presented it to the public. Journalists took their role of presenting the truth very seriously and suffered career setbacks when they were shown to have lied. 

And then came the Internet with its nearly instantaneous and unbridled flow of information. Raw, unfiltered information to a public used to receiving information with a high level of confidence that it was checked and believed to be true. 

You’ll be hearing more and more about Internet investment scams and stock manipulation in web chat rooms. While surfing the ‘Net, investors will have to develop some of the journalist’s skills in processing, fact checking, and filtering the information – if they have the time and interest.