Discussion: How to deal with hurtful gossip

As you have read in the three texts, “Gossip Is Bad Form” by Debby Mayne, "This column will change your life" by Oliver Burkeman, and "Social Grooming: The Role of Gossip" by Michael S. Gazzaniaga, gossip has two sides. On the one hand, it helps the individual gain status in a group and it also helps a group identify unacceptable members. On the other hand, if not dealt with properly, gossip has the tendency of expanding and hurting others. 

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How to deal with hurtful gossip as a child/teenager

When we think about gossip among children or teenagers, we tend to believe that it cannot really affect those involved. However, it is not the case. As Debby Mayne says in Text 1, “Gossip Is Bad Form”, gossip between teenagers has the ability of becoming dangerous: “Whether the rumor is true or false, once it starts spreading, it’s like a freight train that is difficult to stop. It may start out with jeers and jokes, but gossip at school can ruin reputations.” (ll. 75-79)

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How to deal with hurtful gossip as an adult

When we deal with hurtful gossip among adults, things take a new turn. As mature and educated people, adults tend to want to deal with gossip diplomatically and avoid a bigger conflict. Still, this is not the case for all adults. For most of them, however, hurtful gossip takes place in the workplace.

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