Rumors vary in strength depending on the source and importance of the subject. When people are worried, they spread stories that are more likely to be true. However, the truth behind rumors is not always as easy to discern. Listed below are the top three ways to distinguish a rumor from a hoax. Read on for more insights. This article will explore some of the most important rumor-related research. It may surprise you that a seemingly unimportant story can change the course of our lives.
One of the earliest studies of rumors dates back to 1902, when a German named William Stern published his Psychology of Rumor. He conducted experiments on rumor by having several subjects spread the rumor. He found that the first five or six mouth-to-mouth transmissions lost 70 percent of the details. The poster was a work-progress administration poster that depicts a man attacking a wolf.
Another type of rumor is gossip. It is an informal social communication that is spread through gossip. While it does not contain any official confirmation, it is still an important piece of information. The word “rumor” is a general category of informal communication, and can be used as a noun or a verb. The definition of a rumor is an unsubstantiated statement with no source of verification. Its definition is often unclear, but a common example is a news story about a celebrity’s alleged relationship with another person.
Rumors can be used for political purposes. The source may be partisan or anonymous, but it can be used to transfer public uncertainty to a particular opponent. If the source of the rumor is clearly partisan, it is possible to profit from its diffusion. In a highly developed electronic mediated society, rumors can spread quickly. It is important to note that a rumor may be false. It could result in unfavorable consequences for a political candidate.
Another type of rumor is gossip. Rumors of a celebrity’s affair involve statements with questionable veracity. Some are ambiguous, and their nature makes them enticing to a variety of audiences. Some rumors are false, but not all. Moreover, the truth behind them may not be as clear as it initially appears. The author highlights the importance of social cognition in rumor research.
The word rumor has two meanings: a statement which is true or false, but cannot be verified. In the United States, the term rumor is spelled rumour. Its origin is Latin, and is related to the word “rumorem”.