The Science of Rumors

How to Fight a Rumor

Boston Globe on why rumors persist and how to stop them. I found it very interesting why some people like to spread rumors, whether their false or not:

Aside from their use as a news grapevine, rumors serve a second purpose as well, researchers have found: People spread them to shore up their social networks, and boost their own importance within them. To the extent people do have an agenda in spreading rumors, it’s directed more at the people they’re spreading them to, rather than at the subject of the rumor.

I just wonder why we fall so hard for celebrity death rumors. I really thought Jared had died.

Via Neatorama

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