Rumors can start from deliberate misinformation, misinterpretation of facts, or a mix of truth and gossip. They can quickly spread and become exaggerated or unpleasant. Rumors can die out or gain traction until debunked or proven true.
Many people try to avoid hearing office gossip or reading the latest rumors circulating the Internet, but it’s nearly impossible to avoid hearing at least one unsubstantiated rumor during your normal day. Whether it’s the boss about to mothball the entire division or a public figure about to make a shocking confession, most rumors begin with a “friend of a friend’s” dubious claim or overheard words of an alleged insider. Where they go from there can anyone guess.
Some rumors begin with deliberate misinformation. Whether it’s a disgruntled employee, romantic rival, or jealous competitor, someone with malicious intent will spread the rumors by making a false statement or planting a salacious gossip in the right ears. Once these people start spreading gossip, the rumor takes on a life of its own, with very little attempt at fact-checking. By the time rumor enters traditional conversations, it may be completely blown out of proportion or the details may be even more unpleasant.
Another way rumors start is through a misinterpretation of the facts. A secretary might overhear part of a conversation between her boss and an HR director and misinterpret it as preparation for a mass layoff, for example. When people start looking for solid answers in a sea of rumors, even small or insignificant facts can suddenly become important fodder for new rumours. The lack of factual information from a reliable source can lead interested parties to rely more on rumors and innuendos instead of assuming that no news is good news.
There are some occasions where rumors start with real truths, but the facts become too mixed with gossip or misinformation to be of much use. Rumors surrounding politicians and other public figures are often wrapped around a small nugget of truth, but the details have been deliberately exaggerated or downplayed depending on the bent or bias of the person reporting them. Unfortunately, many people consider rumors and gossip more convincing than hard facts, so many media-based rumors start out in an attempt to sell more magazines or attract more viewers.
Sometimes rumors die quickly when true facts emerge and people lose interest in perpetuating a myth or rumour. Other times the gossip gets discredited before the rumors have a chance to spread. Unfortunately, some rumors gain traction and blur with real fact until either a respected authority debunks them or the subject of those rumors can successfully acquit themselves in the court of public opinion.
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