Casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as true.

Events as they are breaking. Often as told by eyewitnesses over social media like Twitter, Snapchat & Instagram.

The idea that many important political events or economic and social trends are the products of secret plots that are largely unknown to the general public.

A modern story of obscure origin and with little or no supporting evidence that spreads spontaneously in varying forms and often has elements of humor, moralizing, or horror.

False information which is intended to mislead, especially propaganda issued by a government organization to a rival power or the media.

An unverified account that is circulating.

Stories created and circulated to turn attention away from stories that are in the local, national or global interest. Used by organizations, including governments to ‘bury’ bad news.

A made-up news story published to entertain or trick people.