The internet has not done anything. We've always been this way.
"digging, deducing, hunting for clues about other people’s lives" is just easier to do with the internet.
When I've seen title I first assumed that article talks about huge amount of fake news and how fact checking is shifted to thoughtful reader. It's not a subject of article, however, it's the case for real. And it's extremely exhausting for everyone who wants to keep up with situation around. Turns out, lies have costs for everyone.