Do people who spread rumours without knowing any facts realise the distress and damage they cause?

[ladyattheback]

I'd really like to know if anyone can offer a thought on what motivates people to make things up about people that just aren't true, and how when these individuals do spread this rubbish others believe them and pass info on. Do these people even realise the damage and distress this causes?

We've had our fare share of rumours being spread about us in the past, none of which has any factual roots, but it STILL goes on - WHY? WHY do grown ups do this that should know better. Do they get a kick out of it, or is it just that some people react with this behaviour when they take a disliking to someone.

Sometimes rumours are rather funny to hear from someone else, but I'd NEVER pass on the rumour to someone else - is there something wrong with me?

Rumours can be so damaging, and during the last 30 years we've heard a few unrelated rumours about us no matter where we lived - it happens, but now one of them is becoming rather serious. Thankfully none of our friends, family or work are local but we have a DC to think about this rubbish may get back to.

Why do people do this? It's so upsetting. We're thinking in this case we might take some legal advice - has anyone had experience with this.

I don't know. I had horrible rumours spread about me that weren't remotely true. I felt suicidal over it. It's taken me a long time to feel better. It destroyed my trust in other people. I think horrible people get enjoyment out of it, unfortunately.

In relation to taking legal action, I was never able to establish who was responsible and they were clever enough to write nothing online.

I can only presume some people must have really sad lives to make up stuff like your examples.

It is gossip, and gossiping about others makes you popular and the centre of attention.

@Indáirire I'm so sorry this happened to you . Something nasty happened to our family about 20 years ago, and I'd almost forgotten about it until the latest new thing kicked off - I agree, perhaps some people may get a kick out of it but it's so nasty, and I just don't understand these people.