Rumour Alters Children's Perceptions

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16 May 2024

Children's early experiences greatly shape their social and emotional development, according to recent research


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Playground rumours significantly influence how children perceive their peers, impacting decision-making processes


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Negative gossip can lead children to avoid interactions with individuals perceived as malevolent


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Positive rumours, especially when corroborated by multiple sources, are readily accepted by children


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However, even a single negative rumour can significantly impact children's willingness to build friendships


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This one-sided trust may serve as a defence mechanism against potentially harmful relationships


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Japanese researchers found that children prioritise consensus and fairness, rewarding positive behaviors accordingly


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Good gossip from multiple sources is valued by children, while negativity is swiftly punished


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Children tend to act on positive gossip from multiple informants but rely on negative gossip regardless of its source


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Understanding the impact of gossip on children's decision-making can inform strategies for social development


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