QUESTION #2 :  The age of the internet as well as the ensuing rise of social networking in the form of FaceBook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok has significantly changed the way individuals process and transmit information, particularly rumor. Rumor is defined as: "A story or statement in general circulation without confirmation or certainty as to facts."  What characteristics of the internet make it especially conducive to the spread of rumor? .

The ELM model suggests that if we think deeply about an issue and process it centrally, it can strengthen the attitude we form about an object or person. Yet, when we attempt to refute a rumor by providing strong arguments supporting why it is not true, this only serves to spread the rumor to even MORE people and has absolutely no impact on their attitude in question toward the object of the rumor! 

 

1. What explains this counterintuitive phenomenon making refutation not necessarily effective? . 

 

1. Finally, what process underlies the effectiveness of a storage strategy to counter rumor . 

 

1. Why is it not always effective? . 

 

1. What process underlies the effectiveness of a retrieval strategy used to counter-rumor ?