If yes, why?
2007-10-13 13:25:03 · 34 answers · asked by NONAME 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No, I don't think so. Not even in high school.
2007-10-13 13:29:54 · answer #1 · answered by The_Cricket: Thinking Pink! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, whenever the stakes are high! I rely on my social networks for information on things that are ambiguous but important to me. I *actively* seek rumour when something matters to me! It's dangerous and sometimes unfair but also potentially beneficial. Here's why:
Would you spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to build a home with a builder who might go out of business? Would you hire a babysitter that you thought might abuse your children? Would you hire an employee that previous employers distrusted? Would you go into surgery with a doctor that you thought had let patients die negligently? Or buy a new model vehicle that you thought had poor build quality? Or keep your money in a bank that you thought would collapse?
In each case rumour is likely to influence your decision. There may or may not be substance to the rumour, but the stakes are so high that the beliefs of people you trust may carry more weight than usual.
Of course, you may misjudge. This could mean lost opportunity and potentially unfair dealing with someone who's honest and trustworthy. It might also leave you exposed to manipulation by someone else. But when the stakes are high, the risk of trusting is sometimes much higher than the cost of not. On high stakes matters, when I hear rumours I will normally look hard for facts. I'll question my decisions and often hedge my bets.
When the stakes are low, rumour shouldn't matter so much and for many people it doesn't. People who heed rumour on low stakes matters might be insecure, unable to commit, suspicious and critical or just enjoying the gossip and heedless of the hurt it does.
There are "good" ways and "bad" ways to use rumour. Here are some guidelines that I think can help:
* Always get opinion on high stakes matters
* Let your degree of interest and judgement reflect your stakes
* Get opinion from people who are knowledgable, independent and have your best interests at heart
* Get multiple opinions
* Distinguish between guesswork and opinions that are based on fact. Expert guesswork can be very handy, but it's never as good as fact.
* Always ascertain the facts when you can and make your own judgement
* If the rumour looks substiated, protect your interests as best you can but don't over-react or get punitive. Remember - you could still be wrong.
2007-10-13 13:38:58 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. I was a teenager and believed all the Mormon rumors. ALL OF THEM! 'Ol Joe Smith and his golden bible. polygamy, all of that junk. Then I had the opportunity one night to sit in a car with a Mormon. Well my job was to keep him from falling asleep. I did just that. I slammed him HARD all night. By morning, I felt peaceful and he NEVER raised his voice in defense of his beliefs. That experience taught me 2 things. 1. Don't judge people. 2. Mormons are good people. I should know, I am one now. :)
2007-10-13 13:31:50 · answer #3 · answered by LDS Mom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only rumor you can trust is one youve made up yourself. If you believe someone elses rumor then you are the sucker because you could have just missed out on making a great friend.
2007-10-13 13:29:31 · answer #4 · answered by Aga G 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Sorry would rather determine my opinion of a person based on fact, but at the same time determine it is their life to lead, and I have no right to believe what they are doing is wrong based on my worldview.
2007-10-13 13:28:36 · answer #5 · answered by julvrug 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
have you ever started a rumor based on a judgment ?
2007-10-13 13:29:17 · answer #6 · answered by Homer Jones 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A relative lied to me about someone years ago and I thought the person had told the truth so I was greatly misled by that individual. i have not made that mistake since.
2007-10-13 13:35:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think everyone has. You know your just having a conversation with a friend someone walks by and they say "i hate her shes rude" then you'll probably believe them. Even if you have never even talked to that person, you'll be less likely to now.
2007-10-13 13:41:11 · answer #8 · answered by Emily 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DEFINITLY!!!! as a suspect keep a close eye on them and see if the rumor is true, if not, well the rumor is as usual WRONG!!!
2007-10-13 13:29:32 · answer #9 · answered by lol!!!Fanatic 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, I prefer to look at anything and anyone with my own eyes and form my own opinions.
It's never wise to base any kind of opinion on second hand news.
2007-10-13 13:28:43 · answer #10 · answered by genaddt 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes I suppose all of us has, if someone we know and trust
tell,s us about someone that is a theif ,we pretty much believe
them.
2007-10-13 13:35:45 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋