Why do Rumors Spread

& why do We Believe Them?

 

SPREADING & BELIEVING

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• An interesting or trending rumor is more likely to be spread even though it may not be true. This is an example of an information cascade.

• A rumor that fits in with your preexisting beliefs is more likely to be believed. This is called confirmation bias.

• A rumor that appeals to your emotions is more likely to be believed.

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ECHO CHAMBERS

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• Exposes you only to info from like-minded people, helps reaffirm you beliefs, reinforces group polarization.

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FILTER BUBBLE

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• Type of information we choose to read. Computers play a big role as they can recommend news stories on social media based on a user’s prior activities online. Without knowing it, users may not see both sides of a story, ex: Facebook algorithms may only recommend Republican news to Republicans, critics say.

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SOCIAL CASCADES

 

• If most people we know believe a rumor, we believe it, too; if we don’t know anything about the topic, we accept the view of others, thinking “this many people can’t be wrong.”

 

GROUP POLARIZATION

 

• When like-minded people get together, they often end up with more extreme viewpoints than before.

• Bias assimilation: takes in new info in biased way. Readers only read and believe info that supports what they believe, a close cousin of confirmation bias and dis-confirmation bias

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DIS-CONFIRMATION BIAS

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• People tendency to disapprove arguments that contradict their beliefs

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BANDWAGONING

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• People believe a rumor just to fit in with others    

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THRESHOLDS

 

• Low: “receptives”- readily believe rumor, usually biased in some way.

• Medium: “neutrals”-some evidence is needed and they need to be convinced by some people, limited knowledge about topic.

• High: “skeptics”-needs lots of evidence and convincing to believe.

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TIPPING POINTS

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• Once enough receptives believe, causes neutrals and eventually skeptics to believe too

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