How can one rumor reach a whole group?
A message can reach people who never speak to its original sender. Its route depends on who is connected, who passes it on, and when. A well-connected person can change the pattern, but a large audience says nothing by itself about whether the message is true.
Questions you could explore
- Which connections would help a rumor cross between otherwise separate groups?
- How does a delay in sharing change its reach?
Start reading
- David Easley and Jon Kleinberg; Cambridge University Press, author-hosted at CornellEpidemics, Chapter 21 of Networks, Crowds, and Markets
Explains network spreading and why the timing of contacts matters, including applications to information flow.
Ready to try your ideas aloud?
Your topic carries over. Record up to 2½ minutes, depending on your plan.