If this is true

The new standard for journalism is based on the phrase, "if this is true". No matter what is said, no matter how harmful it might be it is OK if it is prefaced with those words. Once it is said and out there on the Internet then all of the retractions or apologies will not matter. If someone wants to ruin your life all they have to do is put it out on the net and then others will follow up by saying, if this is true then you are a child molester. Within hours this will be retweeted around the world and you are duck soup. The Internet has become the accuser, the judge and the jury.