Why are rumors dangerous?
914864
When it's nasty, the victim can end up being denied opportunities which may have given them a better life.  A rumor that someone is a drug addict could keep them from getting a certain job.  If you lie and say someone is abusive they may have trouble getting a date or even lose their children.  They can unfairly destroy someones life.
415520
b/c truth is scary.  ignorance is bliss, so alot of people gloss over the real world and dont think about the harshness of reality
9506
Because they are afraid that the beliefs of scientologists will get twisted if they are spread to people who don't know about it. Obviously it's already been twisted a whole bunch of times.
686555
You could go your entire life trying to squash rumors.  My thing is that I would address folks that approach me ONLY.  You dont have time for the rest of it.  People are going to think what they are going to think.
127594
Sometimes, when folks learn a new truth, they get real excited about going out and sharing it with others. Unfortunately some of them will ruin their credibility (and God's) by being kinda pushy about it. \nIt's kinda like giving a child a new toy. If you leave them alone with it for too long they become dangerous with it.
512382
Dismal news is a staple of American television.  Most other places in the world don't follow 'if it bleeds, it leads."  If you believe Marilyn Manson it is because corporate America (the ones who pay the bills at TV stations with advertizing) wants us to be scared.  If we are scared we will consume to aquire protection from what scares us.  If we are scared of burglery then we buy home security systems, if we are scared the girl won't date us we buy cars or zit cream or the "right" clothes, if we are scared of terrorists we will fight a war costing billions of dollars a day.  It is all about fear and if we are afraid we will consume.
333024
whether these are hoaxes or not, it pays to be cautious about matters such these because they will result in great devastation. \n\nthese ideas are around because people have genuine concern for these potential risks and not because they have "fun" tricking us. it is hard work to make a case for global warming that is scientific and believable.  scientists didnt become scientists to throw it all away.\n\nbesides, there is no short term gain to be had from spreading hoaxes.\n\nif a person doesnt want to believe in a undecided idea then fine... but others should have the ability to consider alternatives.
410357
Because that's the kind of news that sells.\n\nNews organizations in a capitalist country (like the U.S.) operate on the market principle. They are trying to make a profit meaning they are trying to be watched/read by the most people they can.  Therefore they need to find a way to grab people's attentions so that they will buy the newspaper or not turn the channel.\n\nThe best way to grab someone's attention is to tell them they are in danger.  The viewer/reader will automatically worry and stick around to see what the danger is, what the source of the danger is and what they can do about it.\n\nThis translates into more sales and more viewers.\n\nSince this is a proven formula for success all media has adopted it in some way or another.
1172422
No!  This is an often repeated rumor/hoax!  I am not sure why...
783080
I heard that it was a rumor.
241034
usually when someone makes fun of another person, there jealous of them. and no its not just a rumor. its true. or they are just trying to make themselves feel better. and when you try to get mad and they leave, that just means they are way too immiture for matters of life. hope this helps and good luck!
1044882
if YOU heard a rumor, how would I SPILL it?
357751
no it's not safe b/c they could lie to you and then stalk you and then rape you.you don't want that to happen right?
154262
there are many different sources of news today: the internet is good because of its immediate nature, tv and newspapers are good because they can provide and in-depth local slant on a story.  but if you try to stay on top of everything, you'll suffer from information overload. \n\nindividually:::if you are asking how to pick and choose between the wide variety, i think a person should take into account the time they have available to digest the news, and what things they feel they need to know.  i've customized my yahoo page to bring up only those sources i trust, so in a sense i've censored myself.  there's too much out there and i feel the need to draw a line.\n\nas a society:::on the other hand if you're asking how much of our national defense policy should we give away, or should we publicize crimes that might incite others to repeat them, then it's a much finer line, with much more at stake.  where does the public's right to know overlap the potential dangers to them?  it can be decided on a case-by-case basis, but do we really trust news editors to make that call for us? they are biased by their own opinions too, so what they want us to see and hear will be colored by that.  credibility is an issue when the media are businesses that exist to make money 1st and report 2nd.  it's small wonder that people view the mass media with more than a little suspicion.
331548
why do u believe those rumors?
420410
Certain things happen when folks lie. It is hard to make eye contact so you may want to try forcing that. Most people will give more details to a lie than when they are telling the truth. \nBut can you handle the truth?
207736
gossip is making stories which are not true. talking about somebody who is not there. Gossip is BAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!