A rumor is an unsubstantiated story that spreads rapidly, often for good or ill. Like gossip, it can be based on the truth or can be completely false. A rumor can have a strong influence on people’s behavior, and can cause them to act differently. It is a common form of communication that many people use to socialize and share information. In some cases, a rumor is so convincing that it can become true and cause people to take action.
A person who loves spreading rumors is called a rumormonger. He or she may also be referred to as a rumor whisperer. The word rumor is sometimes misspelled as rumour in British English.
While a rumor is untrue, it can be used to create a sense of fear and panic. Rumors can cause a great deal of damage and can even lead to violence. People should take steps to avoid rumors and gossip, as they can be damaging to their self-image and social relationships.
The earliest forms of a rumor are usually orally transmitted, and are influenced by the speaker’s inclinations and interests. For example, a rumor that someone won the lottery is believable for a large number of people because it relates to an important desire. In addition, it is a topic that is exciting and sensational. When a rumor moves from oral to literate form, it loses some of its verisimilitude, but increases in scale. As a result, it is easier for a rumor to spread.
In an effort to understand how rumours spread, researchers have studied their behavior in natural settings. They have also investigated how a rumour’s evidentiality affects the speed at which it spreads. Evidentiality refers to the evidence that supports a rumour, and can include a variety of different elements. These include claims of first-hand experience, quotation of a known source, attachment of a picture and employment of reasoning.
In one study, scientists looked at a Twitter conversation that occurred during the 2011 earthquake in Japan, when a rumour stated that rain would contain harmful chemicals. They found that tweets supporting the rumour were retweeted more often than those denying it. They attributed this finding to the high level of arousal and the potential impact that a rumour might have on society. They have also developed an automated technique that can identify the type of support that a tweet provides towards a rumour. This will help to inform further research into rumours in social media. This information will provide valuable insight into the ways in which a rumour’s spread can be controlled and defused. It will also give people the tools to recognize a rumour and determine its validity. This could lead to a more informed and safer society.