rumours

A rumor is unverified information or a circulating story whose truth is unknown or contested. Rumors often concern people, events, or institutions and spread through oral communication, print, or online networks.

Rumors typically arise from incomplete information, ambiguous events, or misinterpretations. They gain traction through repetition and social sharing, aided by cognitive biases such as the availability heuristic and the tendency to fill gaps with plausible explanations.

The spread of rumors can have consequences for individuals and societies. They can cause reputational damage, confusion, or policy reactions, and in extreme cases lead to financial loss or public panic. Rumors can also be exploited intentionally as propaganda or manipulation by individuals or groups.

Because rumors are unverified, responsible handling includes verification, sourcing, and correction. Journalists, platforms, and organizations seek to avoid amplifying unverified claims; individuals can practice media literacy, check official statements, and seek corroborating evidence before sharing.

In scholarly use, rumors are contrasted with misinformation (false information spread regardless of intent) and disinformation (false information spread with intent to deceive). They are also related to gossip, though rumors focus on claims considered newsworthy or consequential rather than mere personal chatter.