Most are untraceable to an originator because they arrive as forwarded E-mail. Oddly, electronic myths are somehow more valid than spoken myths. Occasionally they make the leap from electronic media to factual reporting in traditional media. Ironically, the most virulent strain of electronic myth comes in the form of an E-mail message warning the reader to beware of a new computer virus. Some of the more popular names of the viruses are California, Wobbler or Lump of Coal.
System administrators see the virus warning hoaxes as viruses themselves.
They consume bandwidth and waste processor cycles. Additionally, the hoaxes consume an incredible amount of mental energy as concerned netizens try to combat them in vain. At the most basic level, the hoax works because people are still quite suspicious of modern technology. Computers have invaded every corner of contemporary America. People feel pressured to keep up with increasingly complicated business machines.