Cultivating the Grapevine: An Analysis of Rumor Principles and Concepts

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: AD1009173 | Open PDF

Abstract:

Rumors can be a perfect tool to subvert, deceive, or suggest what truth is to a population. However, despite the demonstrated ability of rumors to influence a population, current U.S. military doctrine does not address how to recognize, craft, or effectively counter them. The purpose of this study is to analyze the principles and concepts governing the spread of rumors for their future integration into Psychological Operations forces PSYOP doctrine and training. Specifically, this study draws from a review of current and historical literature on rumor theory to distill a set of principles to guide the successful employment of rumors, as well as a set of principles for defending against the employment of rumors by an adversary. These principles are then tested by the case study analysis of three examples of successful rumor generation, as well as two successful examples and one unsuccessful case of rumor defense. From its investigation, this study proposes two new models to assist the influence practitioner in the employment of and defense against rumors.

Author(s):
Nasi, Jamie O. ; Sweatland, Jacob
Author Organization(s):
Naval Postgraduate School Monterey United States
Descriptive Note:
Technical Report
Pagination:
0111

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release;

RECORD

Collection: TR
Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_5.2_Understand; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_5.2.3_Share Knowledge and Situational Awareness; JCA_7.2.1_Mitigate Lethal Effects; JCA_7.2_Mitigate; JCA_7_Protection; JCA_5.3.1_Analyze Problem; JCA_5.3.2_Apply Situational Understanding; JCA_1.2.4_Doctrine; JCA_5.1_Organize; JCA_5.1.1_Establish and Maintain Unity of Effort with Mission Partners; JCA_1.2.5_Lessons Learned; JCA_1.2.3_Educating; JCA_1.3.1_Personnel and Family Support; JCA_1.2.6_Concepts; JCA_5.2.2_Develop Knowledge and Situational Awareness; JCA_1.2.1_Training; JCA_5.4_Decide; JCA_4.6.2_Combat Engineering; JCA_4.6_Engineering
Modernization Areas:
Cyber
Communities of Interest:
Biomedical
Descriptor(s):
psychological operations, social media, human population, human emotions, doctrine, military applications, psychology
Keyword(s):
rumors, influence
Report Date:
2015 Dec 01
Creation Date:
2017 Mar 07