information or allegation disseminated to individuals or groups without official confirmation of its source or veracity. They often spread quickly among people out of curiosity, anxiety, or the need to make sense of unconfirmed events. Rumors are a form of informal collective behavior that forms social attitudes and expectations even before accurate or official information appears. Psychologically, rumors are related to people’s emotional and cognitive needs, as people seek to explain ambiguous phenomena, reduce feelings of insecurity, or share anxiety and information with others. Rumors also tend to be influenced by collective emotions such as fear, excitement, or curiosity, making them more likely to be accepted and spread without verification. Socially, rumors are a tool for influencing public opinion and shaping collective behavior, as they can increase tensions, strengthen alliances, or even push groups to take action based on unverified information. The strength of a rumor varies depending on the way it is spread, the authority of its transmitters, and the nature of the subject. Rumors related to emotional or sensational issues are more likely to spread and build credibility.