Up until the early 2000's global communication was in no way as complete, fast and easily accessible as it is today - news traveled the world mostly via printed publications such as newspapers and magazines, and there was no direct connections between readers and direct sources of information.

Smartphones and digital cameras were not widely available in most parts of the world and social media was essentially non-existent - this, combined with the limited availability of real time information led to rumors becoming exaggerated by the media and at times becoming sensationalistic.

One clear result of this was the narrow emphasis on brazilian soccer, carnival, beaches and, ultimately, crime - While Rio's reputation has been harmed by rumors escalating into legends, the international perception of the city was often disconnected from reality.