by Krystle Hernandez

Created on: April 19, 2009

Anyone who has ever endured bullying throughout childhood or adolescence (and even perhaps into adulthood) can attest to the fact that children can sometimes be extraordinarily cruel. Although there may be differences between "bullying" and "gossip" there are a number of effects generated from both practices that can be extremely difficult to endure for the victim. So, what are the harmful effects of gossip?

Branding

Whether the gossip is true or false makes no difference, when an individual becomes victim to gossip, they are at risk for branding. In other words, the victim becomes portrayed in one way or another. Although there are some instances where gossip about someone can be flattering and even positive in its nature and tone, these instances are far more rare than the situations where the victim of gossip is essentially portrayed in a negative light. For example, if there is gossip that a girl at school is "loose," (regardless of whether the claims are true or false), she may be branded with the reputation of promiscuity. These reputations can cause irreparable damage to an individual.

Loss of Self-Esteem

When a person becomes aware that he or she is being gossiped about, he/she can ultimately lose a sense of confidence when speaking to individuals. Doubt will undeniably overcome the individual as he or she wonders whether friends or peers know about the subject of gossip, whether they believe the gossip, and whether they propagate the claims (which may be true or false). In any case, this persistent doubt can eventually cause the person to lose self-esteem, particularly if he or she feels regret for actions that may be the subject of the gossip.

The Self-fulfilling Prophecy Effect

Another effect of gossip that is often glossed over is the development of a self-fulfilling prophecy for the victim. As a result of low self-esteem and a branded reputation, an victim of gossip may simply start to fulfill the "role" that he or she was given by peers. In other words, the same girl who has a reputation of promiscuity may begin to engage in promiscuous acts because she may feel that no matter how hard she tries to combat the reputation, she is at the mercy of the perceptions of others.

Ostracism

Furthermore, another harmful effect of gossip is that it works to ostracize an individual and make that person feel as though he or she does not belong to a larger group (typically the group that is engaging in the gossip). When individuals gossip, it is more about the group

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