Many people interested in concepts ask themselves: are not rumors and gossip the same thing? These are actually two completely different words. However, many do not know this. Well, then it is worthwhile to talk in more detail about each concept.
Brief definition of gossip
So, for starters, a little terminology. Gossip is information that is unfriendly. It is distributed in order to harm someone, to discredit 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 it has been used more than once in books, quotes, aphorisms and loud utterances. One of the most famous Spanish sayings is: “He who gossips with you, gossips about you.” And the famous writer, poet and aesthetic of the 19th century Oscar Wilde said: “At the heart of every gossip lies a well-proven immorality.” Even based on these quotes, one can understand the meaning of this word.
About rumors
Rumors, gossip - how are they all the same? In fact, many. Rumors are simply information not confirmed by any facts. Its source may be unknown (most often it is). However, the information is usually interesting. And as a rule, from scratch does not arise. For the hearing to appear, something (a situation, for example) is needed that can provoke it. After that, people begin to think up and come up with a sequel. And distribute it. It usually looks like this. What they saw and heard is announced, after which it says: “There has been a rumor that ...” - and has already been thought up by society regarding this situation.
Earlier, rumors were also transmitted in the form of gossip, but then the media appeared. The principles of journalistic ethics and morality categorically prohibit "wielding" this information in newspapers, magazines, radio and on TV. However, there is a yellow press that is not at all against doing this. And all because the latest rumors, gossip - this is scandalous information or the 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.
Effects
If we talk about purely moral principles that operate in relations between people, then the consequences here are usually commonplace. A person who learns that his friend (face) spread (a) untrue rumors or outright gossip about him, usually breaks off relations (with or without scandal) and then at best then does not advise others to keep in touch with this person.
But if everything happens at a higher level and spreads through the media, then the consequences can be much larger. Everyone knows that newspapers, magazines and TV with radio - this is the fourth power. Say what you like, but the vast 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 overtake a meteorite of deadly proportions”; “Found a cure for AIDS and cancer!”; “Another world war threatens the world!” - all this is only a small fraction of the headings related to the category of rumors and gossip, and they are still harmless and even familiar.
But it can be worse. And the punishment is appropriate. So, for example, sanctions are imposed in wartime for spreading rumors that could spread panic among the people. If everything is completely bad, then even execution is threatened. Gossip is the last thing the media needs to resort to.
Turning Hearing into a Fact
Evidence is needed to confirm the 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 did not capture the whole republic - the whole CIS and even the whole world. But when a referendum was called in March, it was held, the results were announced and the papers on the return of the peninsula to the Russian Federation were signed, the rumor automatically turned into a fact.
So this is happening. But you need to clearly grasp the difference. Gossip is defamatory information disseminated with the intent of harming anyone. Hearing can be confirmed, and usually it is spread in order to interest the audience.