The Tale of Alan McMasters: The Inventor of the Electric Toaster

Introduction

• In 2012, two British students create a harmless prank online.
• The prank escalates, drawing significant media attention and leading to misinformation about the inventor of the electric toaster.

The Origin of the Lie

• The prank starts with a post on Wikipedia about Alan McMasters, claiming he invented the toaster.
• The students watch the lie grow, eventually reaching notable media platforms and even the UK 50p note.

Reddit and Wikipedia

• In June 2022, a 15-year-old named Adam posts on Reddit about a manipulated image of Alan McMasters.
• His post gains traction, leading to debates on Wikipedia and questioning the authenticity of the image.

The Real Alan McMasters

• Alan McMasters, the real person, is a 30-year-old aerospace engineer.
• The original McMasters was a fictional character created by the students as part of their prank.

Creation of the Wikipedia Page

• In February 2012, Alan and Alex post about their made-up inventor, Alan McMasters.
• They create an elaborate Wikipedia page filled with humorous yet fabricated details about his life.
  • Claims include:
    • Inventing the toaster while drinking whiskey.
    • Involvement in fatal appliance fires.
    • Other fictitious inventions like the electric kettle.

The Fake Photo

• Alex uploads a photoshopped image of himself styled to look like a 19th-century inventor.
• Despite the photo's ridiculousness, it is accepted as authentic by the public.

The Impact of the Hoax

• Over time, numerous media outlets, including the BBC and Washington Times, pick up the story.
• Alan McMasters is mentioned in school presentations, museums, and even receives a memorial in Scotland.
  • Example: A primary school honors him with crafts and essays about the toaster.

The Recognition of the Hoax

• In 2018, the Bank of England considers Alan McMasters for the character selection for a 50p note.
• By July 2022, Adam's discovery leads to the Wikipedia article being flagged for deletion after its fake origins are exposed.

Reflection and Lessons Learned

• Both students express admiration for Wikipedia, despite their prank; one even contributes by editing articles.
• The incident highlights the importance of verifying information online.
  • Example of circular reporting: Incorrect information gets cited multiple times without verification.
• A reminder that although Wikipedia can be a reliable source, users should double-check facts.

Conclusion

• The story of Alan McMasters serves as a case study in misinformation.
• It underscores the need for vigilance in consuming online content and verifying sources.