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THE POWER OF GOSSIP

Photo credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/s1ihVBg5tbI

Right now, somewhere in the world, people you never speak to are talking to others about your personal business.

Although seemingly insignificant, what’s invaluable to you is valuable to others. Of course, I’m talking about gossip. Gossip is an abundant and completely unregulated social currency.

Regardless of whether the teller confirmed the truthfulness of the message with you or not, people will happily spread it… As a primal way of bonding.

We inadvertently perpetuate this cycle to garner the respect and admiration of our peers… Myself included.

The downside is, if you love or respect the messenger, you’ll automatically assume this is verified information or an incontestable truth. This opens the door for manipulation and propaganda.

Awareness is half the antidote, to know that you too can be the talking-point for that day, it gives you the respect to deal with other people’s business, delicately.

The final half is neutrality. Saying nothing positive is potentially more powerful than saying something negative.

That way, the gossip you pass on is unweighted by your opinion.

Thanks for reading,

Geraint Clarke