Dados Bibliográficos

Resumo

Despite the power and extensive applications of communication accommodation theory (CAT), it has yet to be linked to the most common of conversational activities, gossip. We examine both the ways in which gossip plays a role as a communicative adjustment and the influence of accommodative behaviors upon gossip. The latter are relevant to strategic uses of gossip to influence others' reputations, particularly others regarded as sexual rivals. We consider how gossip can operate as a form of norm talk, reinforcing ingroup norms. Gossip is conceptually and colloquially close to rumor and we explore how manipulation of ambiguity between the two may operate as an accommodative move while attacking others. The penultimate section concerns gossip and rumor on the internet and the forms of accommodation that promote conspiracy theories and allow abuse and trolling. Finally, theoretical implications for CAT and future directions for research on gossip and rumor are proposed.

Referências Citadas