Rumour Alters Children's Perceptions
Image: Unsplash
16 May 2024
Children's early experiences greatly shape their social and emotional development, according to recent research
Image: Unsplash
Playground rumours significantly influence how children perceive their peers, impacting decision-making processes
Image: Unsplash
Negative gossip can lead children to avoid interactions with individuals perceived as malevolent
Image: Unsplash
Positive rumours, especially when corroborated by multiple sources, are readily accepted by children
Image: Unsplash
However, even a single negative rumour can significantly impact children's willingness to build friendships
Image: Unsplash
This one-sided trust may serve as a defence mechanism against potentially harmful relationships
Image: Unsplash
Japanese researchers found that children prioritise consensus and fairness, rewarding positive behaviors accordingly
Image: Unsplash
Good gossip from multiple sources is valued by children, while negativity is swiftly punished
Image: Unsplash
Children tend to act on positive gossip from multiple informants but rely on negative gossip regardless of its source
Image: Unsplash
Understanding the impact of gossip on children's decision-making can inform strategies for social development
Image: Unsplash
Check More Stories
Image: Reuters
Image: Unsplash
Image: Unsplash
ndtv.com