What is the general rule regarding the risk of group defamation?

The correct understanding of group defamation focuses on the size of the group in relation to the likelihood of individuals within that group being identifiable in the context of a defamatory statement. When a statement is made about a small group, it is much easier to imply that the individuals within that group are being referenced. This increases the risk of defamation because the statements can be seen as directly harmful to those specific individuals.

In contrast, for larger groups, the connection between the statement and specific individuals dilutes, making it less likely that individuals can claim to be defamed because they are not easily identified within the larger context. Therefore, the general rule is that the smaller the group, the higher the risk of group defamation. Individuals in smaller groups are more likely to be seen as identifiable victims of the defamatory statement, increasing their potential for harm and subsequent claims.