Especially could those who are new to the Internet conclude that a report or a news item, however strange or sensational, is true simply because it is online or because a friend sent it via e-mail.
sir82, I often get stumped when they phrase things like that as well. However, I think it might be that the GB is trapped in a bubble of Psychological Projection.
Psychological projection is a theory in psychology in which humans defend themselves against unpleasant impulses by denying their existence in themselves, while attributing them to others. For example, a person who is rude may constantly accuse other people of being rude.
Their writing, in just about every topic, often seems to reflect their own limitations, ignorance, and privileged life experience. In this case, it is the GB that is new to the internet, etc. and they project that on others.