Psychological variables which boost dissemination of rumor

Abstract

The spreading of rumors is based on complex mechanisms, psychological processes among others, which will be analyzed in this article. The rumor, as an example of interpersonal and spontaneous type of communication, holds a special relevance nowadays in the media. The digital media stand out the rumor process. Since the Internet arouse, rumors have exponentially multiplied their diffusion coverage. Several main effects have been generated: from the disinformation to the “virus” spreading in the current society-. Moreover, in corporate environments –enterprises and institutions- the rumors are generated by conflict situations among the different work forces. The persuasion, the cognitive processes, the psychological atmosphere which stimulates the rumor spreading and the testimony are some of the variables the author studies in this report. Her academic goal focuses on improving the comprehension of this peculiar and “insubordinate” type of message.