About Hearsay:

Hearsay is particularly prevalent in social media discussions where rumors, conjectures, and unverified claims circulate freely. Often, hearsay relies on a chain of “someone said” without ever providing concrete evidence or reliable sources. While hearsay may occasionally touch on elements of truth, it’s essentially unreliable as it lacks direct evidence to support the assertion being made. It is usually difficult for audiences to evaluate the veracity of such claims, and it commonly undergoes the “telephone game” phenomenon of getting embellished or distorted as it is retold.

Hearsay frequently appears in narratives that paint certain groups, policies or individuals in a negative light, creating a snowball effect as more people share the hearsay without verification. Much like Smearing or Opinion As Fact, hearsay can also have a long-term effect on the collective understanding of an issue: as false or misleading statements gain traction, they contribute to the formation of public opinion, potentially leading to misguided policies or social attitudes.

The use of hearsay is a tactical maneuver that capitalizes on the audience’s inclination to believe statements that align with their existing beliefs or prejudices, and to trust their friends and family online. Moreover, it exploits the fast-paced, shallow nature of social media platforms, where users often don’t have the time or resources to fact-check every claim they encounter. This erosion of evidentiary standards can lead to cynicism and the mainstreaming of polarizing topics.