Rumors are a mass phenomenon and a rather important form of expression of public opinion. They belong to informal channels of mass communication and involve the transfer of important messages in interpersonal communication.
The concept and features of rumors
Rumors are false or distorted information that is distributed and functions exclusively orally. Most often, they arise in the conditions of an information deposit and in the absence of reliable information. Rumors differ from information in that they are unreliable. If they are supported by facts and evidence, then this is just information that cannot be called rumors. The unreliability of rumors is due to the fact that in the process of their circulation, information undergoes changes and is distorted.
Obviously, rumors appeared long ago, but their comprehensive studies as a mass phenomenon appeared only in the second half of the 20th century. Then they found their practical application in the marketing of goods and services. Rumors spread in order to fight competitors. The spread of rumors has traditionally been of great importance in times of war. This was done in order to weaken the morale of the military.
The interest of politicians and psychologists in the mechanisms and features of the spread of rumors is as follows. Rumors are a valuable source of information about public opinion, moods in society, attitudes towards the political regime, etc. Rumors also serve as a catalyst for political transformations, so taking them into account makes it possible to correctly predict social processes. Finally, rumors are an important factor in shaping public sentiment and serve as a mechanism for shaping public opinion.
Classification of rumors
Rumors can be classified on various grounds. From the point of view of their reliability, a distinction is made between absolutely unreliable, unreliable, relatively reliable and close to reality. Emotional typology distinguishes between "hearing-desire", "hearing-scarecrow" and "aggressive rumors."
Rumors-desires reflect the desired vision of the future and actualized needs of the population. For example, in the 19th century, rumors were spread about the imminent liberation from serfdom. On the other hand, such rumors can become a source of manipulation of the mass consciousness. They can both prevent the emergence of panic, and cause aggression, demoralize the population. So, during the period of the German-French war in 1939-1940, the Germans actively spread rumors about the imminent start of negotiations. This weakened the desire of the French to resist.
"Scarecrow rumors" carry negative sentiments and cause panic. They usually occur during periods of social stress. The most common rumors are about food. This can lead to higher prices or the disappearance of certain products. For example, in Russia in 1917, bread disappeared from the shelves, although the yield was normal. In 2006, there was a panic purchase of salt due to rumors about the possible termination of supplies from Ukraine.
“Aggressive rumors” not only intimidate the population, but are also designed to provoke aggressive actions. They are based on the juxtaposition of normal people and non-people. They are often caused by ethnic conflicts. For example, rumors about the extermination of whites in Zaire, the atrocities of the federal troops in Chechnya.
