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URBAN LEGENDS. Have always been around Internet has magnified their influence. 3 Types of Rumors that emerge following a catastrophe:. Wish-fulfillment Rumors Bogey Rumors Wedge-driving Rumors. Wish Fulfillment. Old man "surfs" 80 stories Bin Laden dying of liver cancer. Bogey.
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URBAN LEGENDS • Have always been around • Internet has magnified their influence
3 Types of Rumors that emerge following a catastrophe: • Wish-fulfillment Rumors • Bogey Rumors • Wedge-driving Rumors
Wish Fulfillment • Old man "surfs" 80 stories • Bin Laden dying of liver cancer
Bogey • Based on fear • Anthrax attacks • Satan in trade tower smoke
Wedge-driving • Based on hate • 4,000 Jews didn't show up for work • Arab gas-station attendants seen celebrating
Why we believe them • Looking for understanding / certainty • Need for stability • Need for happy ending