Rumor is a story that may be true or false. It is often about something that cannot be confirmed, such as a famous person who stops for ice cream in your town or the gossip of two former friends who fell out of favor. The more believable the rumor, the more it is believed and spreads. Rumors are often based on emotion, and they can be highly damaging.
If you hear a rumor about yourself, it is important to take action and respond. This can help you denounce the rumor and reassure those around you that it is not true. It is also important to address the rumor before it spreads further, so that you can stop it in its tracks.
People often spread rumors to get a rise out of someone else. They want to see if you will get upset and start believing it. This can be very dangerous to your reputation, so it is important not to take a rumor personally. If you can keep your cool and not let it affect you, the rumor will likely die out on its own.
Typically, rumors spread through word-of-mouth among a circle of close friends. However, with the advent of social media it is becoming easier to spread rumors from one person to another, even when those individuals are not close friends. Whether the rumor is a negative or positive, it can have a significant impact on your life.
There are three different classes of individuals who respond to a rumor. These include: ignorers, spreaders, and stiflers. The class that the rumor reaches determines its course of action and how far it spreads. For example, a rumor that President Obama won the lottery will likely be ignored by many people and not be spread to others because it is not relevant to their lives. Conversely, a rumor that two employees were fighting on the train and everyone watched will likely be spread to others because it is relevant to their lives.
In order to reduce the likelihood that a rumor will reach class E, it is necessary to stifle it at class S. Individuals in class S will have a high probability of switching to class E, and if they do so, the rumor will become more credible. Individuals in class S will also have a higher chance of spreading the rumor to other individuals because they feel it is more credible.
To avoid a rumor, it is best to stay connected with the people in your network and ensure that they are aware of what is going on in your life. If you are struggling with your emotions, it can be helpful to open up to those in your circle and explain that things have been difficult. This can be especially effective in the workplace, where a rumor about you could lead to your termination.