Between the Covers

The Ancient Art of Rumor Propagation


Listen Later


This source provides a comprehensive overview of the book "Rumors" by Jean-Noël Kapferer, exploring the nature and impact of rumors in society. It highlights how rumors are a form of unofficial communication, distinct from false news, and explains their propagation mechanisms, often preying on human psychology, such as the desire for secrets or the power of repetition and social conformity. The text illustrates these concepts with compelling examples, like the 1938 "War of the Worlds" broadcast and a persistent rumor about contact lenses. Furthermore, it examines the difficulties in dispelling rumors, noting that debunking efforts are often ineffective due to the spread of counter-information and the public's reluctance to abandon existing beliefs, ultimately suggesting that individual critical thinking is key in combating misinformation.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Between the CoversBy Erick W