Do you think you know the best way to stop a rumor? Would you go the “no comment” route? Psychologists studying the sociodynamics of rumors have found that acknowledging and expanding upon rumors are the best way to stop them (2,060 words) (what one calls “stealing thunder”). They also give a little insight on the necessity and practicality of rumors, which can provide useful information about superiors. Or, at least that’s what I’ve heard on the interwebs. A favorite quote:

McAndrew’s work, much of which focuses on our obsession with celebrity culture, suggests our brains aren’t terribly adept at distinguishing people who are “actually” important from people who simply receive a lot of attention.