Rumor is often a powerful force. It can make or break a celebrity, place of business, etc. It can also cause emotional distress and even physical harm in some cases. It can be the result of jealousy, anger, disappointment and much more. There are many different types of rumors from the innocent gossip that gets tweaked a little bit each time it is passed along, to viciously construed lies.
The first category of rumors prey on anxieties. For example, the rumor that eating Lay’s potato chips causes cancer is a response to health concerns in the community. Other rumors, like the one that ‘Forgetting is a sign of intelligence’, are a response to psychological concerns over human limitations.
Negative rumors are more likely to be spread than positive ones, because they generate more excitement and emotion in the community. In the past, this has caused serious problems in society. For instance, rumor during World War II spread so fast that England and Germany made propaganda posters warning against gossip. This was because the rumors, such as the one that an enemy surprise attack is imminent, provoked anxiety and fear in a large number of people.
Positive rumors, on the other hand, usually aren’t so dramatic or scary. They are often based on common concerns in the community and are more likely to be believed. In addition, they are less likely to be misinterpreted as malicious or hurtful.
In order to create a believable rumor, it is important to get it in front of the right people. It is helpful to target individuals who are a little more gullible and curious than others. It is also helpful to target a big gossiper and encourage them to pass it on to their friends. Having several means of spreading the rumor will also increase its odds of survival.
The more believable the rumor is, the more likely it is to spread. It is important to add details that are relevant and relate to people’s lives. For example, most people won’t believe that they were attacked by a talking bear with a samurai sword. It is also important to make sure that the rumor isn’t too difficult to discredit. If people can easily discredit the rumor, it will die out quickly.
It is also a good idea to leave evidence around that supports your rumor. For example, if you tell someone that you saw your target eating dog food, it will seem more believable if they see pieces of it around their desk or in their lunch. This will make it more difficult for them to deny your rumor later on. This can even help your rumor become viral.