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Hoax Alert: Monthly Facebook Fee is Fake

Here’s a fun fact, everyone. Not everything on the internet is true and you shouldn’t believe everything your friends reblog on their Facebook walls. It can sometimes be ridiculous how often people fall for satirical news, believing it to be actual news, whether it from The Onion or The National Report.

The Joke About a Facebook Fee

Speaking of which, people apparently got into a huge huff over The National Report’s article that was going to be a $3 monthly Facebook fee starting Nov 1st, 2014.

The article stated that “at a press conference this morning, Facebook rolled out their new monthly service plan. Beginning November 1st of this year, the social media giant will start charging members $2.99/mo to use services that users currently enjoy for free.”

National Report went on to include fake quotes from the CEO of Facebook, Mark Zuckerburg:

“We thought long and hard about this decision, but at the end of the day, we had no choice but to add this monthly fee,” Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg told reporters. “If we don’t do something about our rising costs now, Facebook could face an unrecoverable financial burden and become obsolete.”

It also cites a nonexistent CNN article, and tops the whole mess up with some quotes they made up to go with the fake Facebook users they created:

“Fappy The Anti-Masturbation Dolphin, a mascot for a Christian anti-masturbation group, says their business could not survive without Facebook. Charging people to use Facebook means there won’t be as many heathens on the site to help stay off the Devil’s playground. Personally, I like Facebook because it helps me promote my side business of making personalized video greetings. Those videos are good, clean fun for the whole family, and they also help pay for my anger management and sex offender classes. Praise Fappy!””

 

Yes, apparently this is a thing. But the facebook fee isn't a thing.
Yes, apparently this is a thing.

The Resulting Mess

In only a few days, the article has had more than one million shares and likes on Facebook, which led to a lot of confusion for many people across several social media websites.

National Report eventually posted this disclaimer, which they soon took down again:

“DISCLAIMER: National Report is a news and political satire web publication, which may or may not use real names, often in semi-real or mostly fictitious ways. All news articles contained within National Report are fiction, and presumably fake news. Any resemblance to the truth is purely coincidental. The views expressed by writers on this site are theirs alone and are not reflective of the fine journalistic and editorial integrity of National Report. Advice given is NOT to be construed as professional. If you are in need of professional help (and you may be if you are on this page), please consult a professional. National Report is intended for a mature audience and not for children under the age of 18.”

So let this be a lesson to all of you on the big wide web. Not everything is true and you should always check the sources. I know it can be hard not to believe an article with a quote such as this;

“Horner told reporters of an option for those who can’t afford the new monthly fee. “Here at Facebook we value each and every one of our members. We do not want to see anyone delete their account just because they cannot afford the monthly fee,” Horner said. “For those who can’t manage the cost, we’ve made it real simple. In a new status update, copy and paste the words, ‘I AM POOR FACEBOOK PLEASE WAIVE MY MONTHLY FEE’. Make sure you include the hashtag #FacebookMonthlyFee. This will inform the Facebook billing department to waive any fees associated with your account. Unfortunately for free users, access to all Facebook games will no longer be available.” Horner continued, “There’s also a free option which will allow you access to your Facebook account for up to one hour a week, exceeding that will cost $0.49/minute. I think you can agree that it is extremely important to find the right Facebook plan for you!”

Facebook fee? Nope.

But really guys, try your best.