The Mycenaean

Have you ever gossiped with your best friend, overheard a rumor, or even found yourself at the center of one? 

This is Rumorville — a social environment that is constantly driven by spreading misinformation. Everyone is talking, but no one knows what is true. 

Rumors are secrets, unverified pieces of information that are exchanged from person to person. Often spread through word of mouth or social media, the story can change slightly each time they are told. 

Rumors contain information about people, events or situations that may or may not be true. The key details of a rumor have not been confirmed as a fact.

The terms “rumor” and “gossip” are often used interchangeably as they both refer to spreading information. They both call for speculation and have an effect on everyone involved.

Rumors can range from harmless statements to harmful accusations. In high school, a single comment can turn into something far more damaging — affecting friendships, relationships, and mental health. 

According to Medium, rumors start for a variety of reasons. Many people start rumors because of their own flaws — jealousy, insecurity and the desire for attention drive people to lie. 

People who feel ashamed in their own lives may start rumors to bring others down. They will attempt to undermine the success of others. An insecure person can use rumors as a defense mechanism — making them feel better about their own lives. 

Those that seek attention are likely to come up with major rumors. Many people make up stories so they have something to talk about. In high school, hot gossip is always the best way to spark conversation. Being able to spread rumors is a way for people to appear more important in a group setting. 

Sometimes, rumors are intentionally spread to control a narrative. Spreading lies can be a way to manipulate the situation in favor of one party. In a toxic relationship, one person feels the need to control what others see — rumors are a simple way to do that. After all, when a student invents a rumor, there’s rarely anyone who can refute it.

The term “locker room talk” is notoriously known as the way male-dominated peer groups brag and participate in demeaning conversations. Some young men are learning to participate in conversation involving derogatory comments that overly objectify women. 

According to The Daily Star, “It may also entail bragging about personal “conquests” with women in unnecessary detail and spreading unfounded gossip about women in their personal lives.”

Locker room talk and rumor culture often creates an environment where exaggerated or hypersexualized stories about female students spread rapidly, deeply impacting their reputations. 

High school boys may feel the pressure of locker room culture. These conversations, paired with the pressure of early sexual experiences, may lead to amplified or fabricated rumors that sexualize female students far beyond the truth. 

While girls are most frequently the target of sexual rumors, anyone can be affected. These rumors can severely damage relationships, reputations and self esteem, regardless of gender.

Being subjected to hearing lies about others or oneself can cause stress and discomfort. Locker room conversations rarely stay in the locker room, but rather spread to the hallways, cafeteria, and the ears of many. 

WordEffect is an organization that aims to spread awareness about the dangers of rumors and gossip. They focus on education, coaching, and training to promote a positive use for our words. The organization has found that “the effects of bullying and gossip can be associated with loneliness, depression, anxiety, and even suicide.” 

A Leesville sophomore said, “I once heard a rumor about myself. It was so far-fetched that I was physically repulsed when I heard it. I knew the guy who started the rumor. He just wanted to have something to talk about, something to make himself sound cooler than he really is. I didn’t want to give him, or his words, any power over me, but I was livid. I wasn’t surprised at all that guys would extend the truth, but the fact that this happened to me hit way too close to home. I walked away feeling dirty, like I did something wrong, even though it was completely fabricated.” 

A study conducted by WordEffect found that gossip and rumors can have detrimental effects on individuals. “48% of people who hear gossip about someone form a new, negative opinion about that person,” even if that received information is not true. 

Rumors manipulate people into taking sides, casting improper views on others and bringing negative energy to future situations. Relationships can be ruined before they begin.

Gossiping can become physically draining for all involved. High school students are dealing with family dynamics, navigating heavy school workloads, balancing jobs, and the struggle to find themselves — having to sift through mounds of misinformation is simply not something most teenagers can handle.

The emotions — sadness, anger and anxiety — that are guaranteed to come with rumors are known to manifest themselves into physical reactions. Teenagers fighting off rumors will experience a change in their sleeping, eating and self-care patterns. 

Yet, a person’s reputation can take the biggest hit from a rumor. Teenage girls and young women are often labeled as “easy” or more explicit slurs to inflict shame and diminish them. They are frequently described as overly emotional, dramatic or aggressive when they express themselves against degrading comments. 

According to Tilly’s Life Center, there are three ways to deal with gossip: avoid, stop, or confront it. 

It is no secret that avoiding high school gossip is nearly impossible. A quick comment over lunch or a casual, “guess what I just found out,” in the hallway is often all it takes to keep rumors going. Still, choosing to avoid gossip is one of the most effective ways to kill it. 

Reminding students to be aware of who they are sharing information to is important. Walking away from conversations that stem from speculation can draw attention away from the person spreading rumors. Showing indifference toward gossip is often the quickest way to discourage. 

Stopping the spread of rumors can be difficult, but it remains one of the best ways to halt gossip. It is up to the receivers of gossip to put an end to the destructive cycle. Students can choose to keep information to themselves. They can refute information that sounds unverified. By stopping the continuance of misinformation, teenagers are able to regulate how far rumors travel. 

Confronting a person who is starting rumors is a bold step that can help end the spread of misinformation. If someone becomes a victim or witness to harmful gossip, it is in their right to address it. Getting closure, or confronting the source of a rumor can help set the record straight. 

For many, this conversation is daunting, but allows them to have power in their lives. Confronting a rumor head on is a way for teenagers to protect their name and regain control of the narrative. 

High school comes with a mountain of challenges, but the impact of rumors and gossip on mental and physical health cannot be overlooked. Words carry weight. Whether it is a comment at lunch, a whisper in the hallway or a post online, rumors can leave lasting damage. Each student has the power to dismantle Rumorville by choosing to avoid, stop or confront rumors. By doing so, teenagers can protect their own reputation, claim power over gossip and contribute to a school community based on respect and truth.