Rumors have existed since the beginning of human behavior. A good rumor is deep-seeded and hypnotic. A good rumor can launch an organization or public figure into a crisis that is not terribly easy to manage or overcome.
But what makes a good rumor and how can your organization best protect itself from this risky phenomenon?
Within this episode of The Crisis Intelligence Podcast, I sat down with Laurent Gaildraud, a consultant who specializes in the science of rumors. Laurent’s job and passion is in explaining how to destabilize any entity (economical, political, social, etc.) by spreading rumors. It’s the opposite of my job and passion, I know! I help organizations prevent risk and manage crises, while Laurent helps people create rumors to create crises. But that fascinated me on so many different levels.
As you listen to this podcast, you’ll notice that much of what Laurent explains about the science of rumors aligns perfectly with what you’ll often hear me say makes the recipe for a crisis that has the potential to go viral. He discusses the sociological enchantment that rumors hold and why we, as human beings, can become so enthralled in them.
This post, TCIP #035 - The Science of Rumors with Laurent Gaildraud, originally appeared on melissaagnes.com.