paragraph on how gossiping and spreading rumors can be harmful
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We've all heard these terms. While most consider them harmless, they can affect your health. Learning to tell the difference between fact and fiction can be a real boost -- both mentally and physically.
What happens when rumors aren't harmless? What if they damage someone's reputation, livelihood, or personal life?
If you're on the receiving end of untrue gossip, what do you do?
Rumors vs. Gossip vs. 'Fake News'
Rumors are defined as widely spread talk with no reliable source to back it up. They aren't always bad. Some rumors can even seem positive, like promotions, engagements, or awards.
But until proven otherwise, they are just that -- rumors.
Gossip is when you take rumors -- those unconfirmed pieces of information -- and pass them along, spreading what may be “fake news.”
What may be surprising is how difficult it can be to tell rumor and gossip from truth. Even people who are Internet-savvy can have trouble telling what's real and what's not. It can also be tough to tell the difference between news and advertisement. As a result, people sometimes give more weight to what they see in their social media feed than what they get from more credible news sources.
What's the Harm?
When it comes to "fake news," the effects can be both immediate and long-lasting. In most cases, a "fake news" story can rile up your emotions and change your mood. Depending on the strength of your feelings, the story, and the reaction it gave you, can stick in your head, even after you find out it's false. You may even remember those feelings if you see another story about the same subject.