Rumors and Us: How Different Groups Handle News Online

Think about how news spreads on the internet. People often share stories and tidbits without even checking if they're true. This happens when groups of online users, or netizens, have similar thoughts and attitudes. When they agree on something, they tend to spread it quickly among themselves. But interestingly, these groups can react differently to various rumors about the same event. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, some groups might spread rumors about a secret cure, while others share warnings about fake remedies.Researchers are trying to understand why this happens. By looking at how different netizen groups think, they can figure out how rumors start and spread. This research aims to peel back the layers of cognitive differences among online groups to see what makes each one unique in how they handle and share information. By doing so, we can better grasp the dynamics of online rumor spreading and why some stories gain traction while others fade away.