Functions of rumors in social environment

Vol. 21 Iss. 1 pp. 17–22 | St. Petersburg State Institute of Psychology and Social Work | ISSN: 1993-8101
2014 • Issue 1 • Volume 21Research in applied psychology

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Abstract

The article analyzes the content of social functions of rumors. In particular, functions of understanding the situation, provision of psychological protection, restoration of subjective control, entertainment, self-affi rmation of distributors, influence and social association of individuals are described. Functions of information, reduction of uncertainty, changing the level of anxiety, anticipation, regulation of behavior and emotional state, adaptation are discussed.

Keywords

unconfi rmed messages, rumors, functionality of rumors existence, social functions of rumors

Citation

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References

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