Snopes was founded in 1994 by David Mikkelson, a computer science graduate with a passion for urban legends and folklore. The idea for Snopes originated from David's hobby of researching and debunking myths on early internet forums. Initially, he created the website as a personal project to share his findings with a wider audience. As the site gained popularity, David's then-wife Barbara Mikkelson joined the effort, and together they expanded Snopes into a comprehensive fact-checking resource. Today, Snopes is owned by Snopes Media Group, Inc., with David Mikkelson remaining as the CEO and major shareholder. Based in the United States, Snopes covers a wide range of topics, including politics, current events, technology, entertainment, and viral internet content. The website's primary focus is on fact-checking and debunking false or misleading information circulating in the media and online. Snopes investigates claims from various sources, including news articles, social media posts, and popular rumors. While not a traditional news outlet, Snopes often reports on trending topics and provides in-depth analysis of complex issues to help readers separate fact from fiction. One interesting fact: A unique aspect of Snopes is its evolution from a hobby website focused on urban legends to one of the internet's most trusted fact-checking resources. The site's name, “Snopes,“ was inspired by a family of characters in William Faulkner's novels, known for their deceitful nature. This ironic choice of name reflects the website's mission to combat misinformation and promote truth in the digital age.