Rumor is a piece of information that spreads through word of mouth. It is often untrue but it can have a great influence on people because it appeals to impulsive emotions such as fear, curiosity, and a desire to persuade others.
Rumours are more likely to be passed along if they are exciting, shocking, or arousing. They are also more likely to be believed if they have an element of truth in them. This is why many rumors are based on gossip and other people’s opinions about other people.
A rumor can have significant consequences for society, especially when it is widespread in social media. This is because rumours can be rapidly disseminated and may spread as fast as the original event that sparked them. One example is the rumour that rain in the aftermath of the Japan earthquake contained harmful chemicals. This caused citizens to stay inside and leave their umbrellas at home. The rumour was eventually proved to be false but by that time it had already had an impact on the behaviour of individuals.
One of the most effective ways to control a rumour is to deny it. This is more effective if it is done before the rumour can get out of hand. It is also a good idea to try and avoid spreading the rumour in the first place, particularly if it could potentially get you into trouble.
Another way to stop a rumour is to try and counter it with evidence. This can be done by attaching a link to an article that proves the rumour is wrong, or by quoting someone who can give proof that it is false. In order to be effective, evidence should be clearly linked to the rumour being discussed and any other type of evidence that is not directly related will not be successful.
It is important to remember that rumours can be very difficult to disprove. In some cases it can take days or even weeks before the rumour is fully disproven. For this reason, it is not always possible to prevent a rumour from becoming widely known, although there are some measures that can be taken to reduce its impact.
When a rumour starts to circle around the workplace, it is important to address it quickly. This will help to show that you are not taking it personally and can be trusted to keep the rumours quiet. It is also a good idea to avoid getting upset about the rumour, as it will only encourage other people to continue spreading it.
If you have a colleague that is prone to spreading rumours, it can be helpful to only tell them the rumours that you trust them not to reveal to anyone else. If the rumour is about you, it is important to try and stay above it, especially if it is something that could have a negative effect on your career or reputation.