Emory 'Study' Makes The Onion

“A new study published Tuesday by Emory University determined that 89 percent of networking encounters occur forcibly and without the consent of one of the parties involved, a disturbing finding that suggests far more people are victims of unwanted career-related discussions than was previously thought.”

So began a recent article in The Onion, the humor publication that has long billed itself as “America’s Finest News Source.” The story goes on to describe a bogus study by fictitious sociology professor Thomas Raybeck on interactions in which people are forced to “talk shop” against their will, mainly in social settings. (Hint: It’s hilarious.)

“It’s nice to know that Emory is sufficiently well-recognized to be lampooned by The Onion,” says Ron Sauder, vice president for communications and marketing. “We have truly arrived.”