Rumors are everywhere. The truth about one rumor may not be true for the next person. In the process of spreading a rumor, people tend to share a credible and/or ridiculous story. As a result, rumor-mongering is an attempt to cope with uncertainties and anxieties. Rumors are useful in giving individuals a rationale for their behavior. Rumors can be divided into two types: those that induce hoped-for consequences and those that are feared or disappointing. The authors of this book describe the fine distinctions within each category.
The most famous study by Allport and Postman relates the strength of rumor to the importance of the subject and the veracity of the information. In this study, the researchers focused on rumors and propaganda, and emphasized how rumors are influenced by social cognition. Their findings also emphasized the importance of the emotional context of rumor. However, this theory was not grounded in empirical evidence and was adapted from the work of Douglas McGregor.
Rumor bombs are often used by an opponent to transfer public uncertainty to the opposing party. They can be anonymous or clearly partisan, and their sources profit from the diffusion of the rumor. In highly developed electronic mediated societies, rumors can spread quickly, affecting people from every corner of a nation. Consequently, it is crucial to manage rumors. If you want to keep them under control, read this article for tips on how to deal with rumor bombs.
The origin of the word rumor is Latin. It means “unfounded information,” and the word derives from the Latin rumorem. The use of the word rumour is common in British English, where it is sometimes spelled rumor. The word rumor is usually a negative connotation. However, the word rumor can be positive or negative. You can use it to describe events, people, and situations.