Under Lock and Key: Privacy at a Small School

At our school, gossip tends to spread like wildfire. Gossip is virtually present in every social setting, whether that be in the gym, hallways, or classrooms. It moves around our school like a game of telephone, passing from one person to the next. But why does it travel so quickly? And why has gossiping become so popular?

There are a few straightforward explanations for the popularity and inaccuracy of rumors.  First of all, people, especially youth, like to feel connected. This urge to connect often causes them to pass on what they’ve heard to feel like they’re in the middle of the drama. Secondly, humans are naturally curious. This curiosity makes us eager to listen to and share gossip in either a group setting or one-on-one. Students will often bug their peers to get gossip from them, as no one likes to feel excluded. Lastly, rumors, especially false ones, can lead to fights between students and cause the administration to step in and discipline students. Bystanders enjoy watching this product of gossip, as it is entertaining and allows students to step out of their own lives and see what’s happening to others. However, although gossip is seemingly harmless and exhilarating, it can harm others deeply. 

Behind every rumor is a person who is exposed to the judgment of others over something that is likely completely false. Ninth Grade Dean and Health Teacher Hannah Niles stated, “Gossip at Head-Royce is equivalent to most other small schools, in that, there’s just not that much to do in the day other than gossip.” I believe at our school, gossip is one of the main things people are curious and concerned with, and this is only amplified by the small size of our school. At our school, gossip spreads easily because we like to connect and are curious about the lives of others. Understanding the reasons, and outcomes of spreading rumors, can help us think twice before passing on gossip that could potentially hurt somebody in the school community.