What makes a Rumor?
What makes a rumor? That is the question. We all know what a rumor is. It can be described as "an unverified account or explanation of events circulating from person to person and pertaining to an object, event, or issue in public concern". In The Watercooler Effect, Nicholas DiFonzo explores as well as explains why we as a society latch onto rumors in addition to how they get started. DiFonzo provides the reader examples of some very popular rumors and myths. He explains that some times a rumor can get started just by someone providing minimum information or the listener mixing up some information. Think of it like the game “telephone”. The more people who pass on the information, the less the end result turns out to be from the beginning. So why do we spread rumors or even claim a hint of legitimacy to these facts if all rumors are just that…..rumors. It’s because it’s one way we communicate. One of the biggest reasons we pay any attention to hearsay is fear. You say we...