A rumor always travels faster than the context that would have killed it.

Simple stories travel fast and complicated ones do not. A rumour is built to be repeated, while the explanation that would dismantle it takes three sentences, needs background, and arrives after everybody has formed a view. Speed rather than truth decides which version reaches the most people.

If something reaches you this week, notice how few steps it took and hold it loosely. Do not pass it along. If it concerns someone you know, go to them instead, because being asked is far kinder than being discussed.