Rumors and gossip are the same or not?

Many people who are interested in concepts are askedThe question is: are not rumors and gossip the same thing? It's actually two completely different words. However, many do not know this. Well, then it is worth talking about each concept in more detail.

A short definition of gossip

So, for starters - a little terminology. Gossip is information that carries a malevolent character. It spreads in order to harm someone, to discredit his honest name. And usually this information is false, because it is based on inaccurate, incorrect and fictitious information. "Gossip" is the old word. It appeared a long time ago - several centuries ago. And more than once it was used in books, quotations, aphorisms and loud statements. One of the most famous Spanish sayings is: "Whoever gossips with you, that gossip about you." A well-known writer, poet and aesthetic of the XIX century Oscar Wilde said: "At the heart of every gossip is well-proven immorality." Even based on these quotes, one can understand the meaning of this word.

About the rumors

Rumors, gossip - what are they anyway different? In fact, many. Rumors - it's just unconfirmed by any facts information. Its source may be unknown (most often it is). However, the information is usually interesting. And as a rule, it does not arise from scratch. In order for a rumor to appear, something (a situation, for example) is needed that can provoke it. After that, people start to think out and come up with a sequel. And distribute it. Usually it looks like this. Announced and heard, after which it is said: "There was a rumor that ..." - and already invented by the society regarding this situation.

Earlier, rumors were also transmitted in the form of gossips, butthen the media appeared. The principles of journalistic ethics and morality categorically prohibit the use of this information in newspapers, magazines, radio and TV. However, there is a yellow press that does not mind doing it. And all because the latest rumors, gossip is scandalous information or the one that is carefully hidden. It is difficult (and sometimes impossible) to confirm, and this is necessary for people who want bread and circuses.

Effects

If we talk about purely moral principles,which act in relations between people, the consequences here are usually banal. A person, having learned that his friend (nitsa) spread (a) untruthful rumors or frank gossips about him, usually breaks off relations (with scandal or without) and at the best then does not advise others to maintain contact with this person.

But if everything happens at a higher level andspread through the media, the consequences can be much more ambitious. Everybody knows that newspapers, magazines and TV with radio are the fourth power. Whatever one may say, the overwhelming majority of people trust the media. And many media use this. "Soon the end of the world will come - scientists have proved that in a few weeks the Earth will be hit by a meteorite of deadly dimensions"; "Found a cure for AIDS and cancer!"; "The world is facing another world war!" - all this is only a small fraction of headlines that are classified as rumors and gossip, and they are still harmless and even familiar.

But it can be worse. And the punishment is appropriate. So, for example, for the dissemination of rumors, which can spread panic among the people, in wartime sanctions are imposed. If everything is completely bad, then even threatens to be shot. Gossip is the last thing the media should resort to.

The transformation of hearing into a fact

To confirm the information, it is necessaryevidence. The most striking example was not so long ago - in 2014. It deals with 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 was captured not only by the whole republic - the entire CIS, and even the entire world. But when a referendum was held in March, they held it, announced the results and signed papers on the return of the peninsula to the Russian Federation, the rumor automatically turned into a fact.

So it happens. But you need to clearly distinguish the difference. Gossip is defamatory information, distributed with the purpose of harming someone. Hearing can be confirmed, and usually it is carried to interest the audience.