rumour

Rumor is information or opinion widely shared without official confirmation of its accuracy. It spreads most effectively through existing social networks, like friends and peers, and tends to reach people with direct interests in the event.12

Rumor thrives when there's high interest in an event and significant ambiguity surrounding it. It also abounds when people need to act collectively but lack a clear understanding of the situation. This can occur in societies with strict information control, during major disasters or scandals, or when there's a strong incentive to act that is blocked. People often pass on rumors, even if they don't fully believe them, as a way to make sense of confusing events.32