False stories move fast online, but not always because some people are careless. These falsities are built—whether intentional or not—to travel. They tap into emotion, reward attention, exploit our trust in familiar voices. They thrive in systems that favor speed over verification. Why does misinformation work so well? How does coordinated manipulation differ from everyday rumors? What helps in the moment when something feels urgent or too perfect to be true? What changes end up strengthening an environment beyond fact-checks? We’ll be investigating the psychology, the incentives, and tactics behind online lies, plus clear steps for spotting them and slowing their spread.