Abstract This paper explains that sociologists have established three main categories of rumors in social settings as pipe dream rumors, bogey or anxiety rumors and wedge-driving or divisive rumors and a fourth category known as home-stretches referring to anticipatory rumors. The author points out that pipe dreams rumors are the most positive form of rumors and often express the wishes and hopes of those who circulate the rumors but can be seen in a negative light such as some promises made by advertisers on the internet; bogey rumors reflect feared or anxiety-provoking outcomes, such as the 1974 Pop Rocks contamination rumor. The paper relates that wedge-driver rumors are a negative form of rumors intended to divide group loyalties or otherwise undermine interpersonal relations such as the rumor that Jews or Arabs had prior knowledge of the 9/11.
From the Paper "The image of Bill Gates towering over rival Steve Jobs served to create, in the words of one observer, an "Orwellian" image of dominance and power. The anticipatory rumors, from the point of view of many Apple staff, had envisaged the joint presence of the two company leaders on stage. This rumor was seen as being "bad enough" and a sign of defeat by those loyal to Apple. However, the virtual presence of Gates as a looming and larger than life presence went beyond even the anticipatory rumor."
