Many people who are interested in concepts are wondering: aren't rumors and gossip the same thing? They are actually two completely different words. However, many do not know this. Well, it's worth talking about each concept in more detail then.
Short definition of gossip
So, for starters, some terminology. Gossip is information that carries an unfriendly character. It is distributed with the aim of harming someone, discrediting his honest name. And usually this information is false, as it is based on inaccurate, incorrect and fictitious information. "Gossip" is an old word. It appeared a very long time ago - several centuries ago. And more than once it was used in books, quotes, aphorisms and loud statements. One of the most famous Spanish sayings is: "Whoever gossips with you, gossips about you." And the famous writer, poet and esthete of the 19th century Oscar Wilde said: “At the basis of every gossip lies a well-tested immorality.” Even based on these quotes, you can understand the meaning of this word.
Rumours
Rumors, gossip - how are they different? Actuallymany. Rumors are simply unsubstantiated information. Its source may be unknown (most often it is). However, the information is usually interesting. And as a rule, it does not appear from scratch. For a rumor to appear, something (a situation, for example) is needed that can provoke it. After that, people begin to think and come up with a sequel. And distribute it. It usually looks like this. What is seen and heard is announced, after which it is said: “There was a rumor that …” - and already thought out by society regarding this situation.
Earlier, rumors were also spread as gossip, but then the media appeared. The principles of journalistic ethics and morality categorically forbid "wielding" this information in newspapers, magazines, radio and TV. However, there is a tabloid press that is not at all opposed to doing this. And all because the latest rumors, gossip - this is scandalous information or one that is carefully hidden. It is difficult (and sometimes even impossible) to confirm, and this is necessary for people who want bread and circuses.
Consequences
If we talk about purely moral principles that operate in relations between people, then the consequences here are usually banal. A person who finds out that his friend has been spreading untrue rumors or outright gossip about him usually breaks off relations (with or without scandal) and, at best, then does not advise others to keep in touch with this person.
But if everything happens at a higher level and is distributed through the media, then the consequencescan be much larger. Everyone knows that newspapers, magazines and TV with radio are the fourth power. Like it or not, the vast majority of people trust the media. And a lot of the media is using it. “The end of the world will come soon - scientists have proved that in a few weeks the Earth will be overtaken by a meteorite of deadly size”; “Found a cure for AIDS and cancer!”; “The world is facing another world war!” - all this is just a small fraction of the headlines related to the category of rumors and gossip, and they are still harmless and even familiar.
But it can get worse. And the punishment is appropriate. So, for example, for the spread of rumors that can sow panic among the people, sanctions are imposed in wartime. If everything is really bad, then even execution threatens. Gossip is the last thing the media should resort to.
Turning rumor into fact
Evidence is needed to confirm information. The most striking example was not so long ago - in 2014. It concerns politics. In February, many said: “Crimea will return to Russia!”; “The peninsula will again become part of the Russian Federation!” – but many could not believe it. Then this rumor captured not only the entire republic, but the entire CIS and even the whole world. But when a referendum was scheduled in March, held, the results were announced and papers were signed on the return of the peninsula to the Russian Federation, the rumor automatically turned into a fact.
So it happens. But you need to be clear about the difference. Gossip is defamatory information spread with the intent to harm someone. The rumor can be confirmedand is usually carried around to get the audience interested.
