Listen Linda

I wrote the following passage a little over a year ago:

“You know I find it ironic how small things can blow up into bigger things when ignorance is a baseline of conversation. These things lead to rumors, invoking emotions that include no one really, but still there isn’t anything better to do for meager, empty minds. Or it’s merely a cry for attention.

So, there Is all kinds of theories and studies that have been held on the basis as to “Why people entertain rumors.” And the point driving them is psychological and social factors. In fact, gossiping creates a sense of connection with people. And people enjoy a good story. And it doesn’t matter whether it be fact or fiction, the sharing of information makes people feel part of a group. It is in the act of sharing of information that they feel is important, interesting, and believable. It’s a social dynamic and the sweeter the tea. The bigger the tea party.

Are you entertained yet? 

Rumors can also be used as a powerful influencer. And it’s a form of control. By controlling what information that gets out manipulates perceptions, relationships, behaviors. Just so you know.

There is also such a thing as an emotional outlet. People use the rumor mill to serve to vent feelings of jealousy, envy, or frustration. Plus, it’s socially acceptable. And it’s funny how us as a human species tend to pay more attention to negative information, even if it’s just a defense mechanism to avoid potential threats. But honestly, in my opinion it’s better to stay in one’s own lane. And I’ll keep my nose in my own book thank you.”

As I looked it back over, I felt like I wanted to dissect this topic and dive a little bit deeper into this. Mainly for my own entertainment.

When I think of ignorance and Rumors, I know that small misunderstandings can escalate into larger issues. Ignorance often leads to misinterpretation and misinformation, which can spread quickly and uncontrollably. Rumors THRIVE in such environments, because they are often based on incomplete or incorrect information.

The reasons people entertain rumors are deeply rooted in psychological and social dynamics. For example, there is a sense of connection. Gossiping and sharing rumors creates a sense of belonging amongst people. It gives the false sense of belonging to a group. Because they all share information that they believe is important, interesting, or at the very least, believable.

People love a good story. And it really doesn’t matter if it’s fact or fiction. The ACT of sharing stories or, especially rumors, is a fundamental part of human social interaction.

There is also control in rumors by bases of influence. Spreading rumors can be a powerful tool for influencing and controlling (manipulating) perceptions, relationships, and behaviors. Because by controlling the flow of the information, what details get shared, it creates a base for how individuals can manipulate how others see the world and react to it.

There is also an emotional outlet for people to vent feelings of jealousy, envy, or frustration. And as sad as it is. This entire act of manipulation is socially acceptable.

And it’s a shame that we as humans tend to pay more attention to negative information. Just another defense mechanism. And it’s also why negative information tends to get around the block a lot quicker than the truth.

Granted, while gossiping can be intriguing and even entertaining. It’s just better to stay out of it completely. And if it happens to be you or I that is on the tip of everyone else’s tongue for conversation…maybe they all should take notes?