Urban Myths, Legends, and Hoaxes

Urban legends are comparable to a modern-day type of folklore. Though told in a format similar to that of a joke, urban legend stories are usually comprised of a slightly darker, more cautionary tone. Most urban legends reference a friend of a friend, and are assumed factual by the people who spread the stories.

An urban legend is not necessarily untrue, but is often distorted or exaggerated. Some urban legends have been circulating for a very long time, and are constantly resurfacing and spreading much farther and faster with the advent of email. One popular urban legend regarding the explosive nature of Pop Rocks mixed with Cola for example, has been circulating for 30 years!

Born out of public fears and insecurities, like the popular urban legend regarding razors in Halloween candy, some urban legends even make it to the news. In fact, fear alone is enough to propel urban legends far because when you hear such a story, you may feel compelled to warn others. That being said, a lot of urban legends are also highly circulated simply because they are funny or interesting in some way.

You’ll find more information on urban legends in the articles and other interactive features below.