why people transmit information that is uncertain or untrue
According to the traditional perception of rumours, individuals are motivated to spread rumours for several reasons. Rumour spread is said to be triggered by psychological motivations that drive folks into seeking, examining, and spreading rumours. Varying forms of motivations trigger persons to spread invalidated information to their friends, relatives, or colleagues. The motivations include fact-finding, relationship-building, and self-enhancement motivations. The three concepts offer in-depth details of why people transmit information that is uncertain or untrue.
In fact-finding motivation, individuals are inspired by the good of acting effectively according to the social and environmental settings when spreading rumours. For instance, people believe in rumours about their social life since it defines their behaviour. As such, people end up following a rumours based on the advantaged the information offers them. The fact-finding motivation encourages individuals to transmit rumours as they try to validate and clarify on the truthfulness of the facts spread (Bordia, & DiFonzo, 2013). Once a person is uncertain about a specific topic, they get anxious. The anxiety further causes the spread of rumours.
Relationship-building motivation primarily aims at building and maintaining relationships. When relay information in a social setting, individuals want to create a reputable impression on their audience. Spreading of rumours is considered as a form of social exchange. Individuals who bear prior information are viewed as powerful and influential over the rest (Bordia, & DiFonzo, 2013). Therefore, they have an advantage since they build more relationship when sharing and spreading rumours in their society.
Self-enhancement motivation concepts fulfils the goal of creating and maintaining a positive image in the eyes of the public. In line of the concept, people spread rumours based on pre-existing facts and align with the information they intend on passing (Bordia, & DiFonzo, 2013). They will boost they esteem once their audience believe their stories from their prior attitude.