Plamen Atanasov

Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”

Е–mail: atanasovp@abv.bg

Abstract: Nowadays, web sites and social online networks expand the communication space and enter the influence field, which some 20-30 years ago was occupied by the family, the close social entourage or the printed or electronic media. Communicational channels are now reorganised. In a research perspective, it is important to determine the tendencies in the development of interpersonal and of intergroup communication. The object of the research paper is young educated people and the subject encompasses their preferences for a communication channel, as well as the amplification of the threat, posed by rumours and errors in mass behaviour. The aim is to achieve at least partial scientific justification of the present changes and the degree of their completion. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used: a non-representative sociological research was conducted via a pool survey with voluntarily engaged participants – students from Bulgaria, Romania and France. The results show that young educated people trust traditional media the most, while at the same time they prefer social online networks and sites when looking for information about companies. When it comes to getting to know a particular person – direct communication is favoured. According to the data, only one half of educated young people are willing to engage in online surveys. The participants declare certainty that rumours are spread on the Internet.

Keywords: rumour, social online networks, family, traditional media, communication.