Spread of SARS and War-Related Rumors through New Media in China

Abstract

Current literature suggests that, as a form of communication, rumor is a story or statement circulated without confirmation. Rumors emerge under conditions marked by a combination of uncertainty, involvement, anxiety, and credulity, and may circulate by word-of-mouth or various media. The SARS- and war-related rumors in China in 2003 have stimulated new thoughts to the existing theories of rumor. The spread of the rumors was due to a unique combination of Chinese culture and society, the media environment in China, and conditions conducive to generating rumors. New media played a significant role in disseminating information with high efficiency and facilitating free flow of information.

Keywords:

• Chinese Communication
• Chinese Culture
• Internet
• New Media
• Rumor
• SARS
• SMS

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ringo Ma

Ringo Ma (PhD, University of Florida, 1987) is a professor in the Department of Communication Studies at Hong Kong Baptist University.