What makes a person lie to turn others against another person?

Question

I guess I am just silly but I try to stay out of others business, especially when I don't know the whole story. I guess my question is basically, "Why do people get convinced by one half when they haven't even heard the other half of the story?"

I see so many people retaliate against others, sometimes others they don't even know, all because a "friend" told them that person was bad. I am not saying people shouldn't trust their friends, but really, shouldn't all people be given a chance to prove themselves before being deemed the enemy.

Your thoughts?

Answer 1

I agree with you. You shouldn't judge someone unless you know the whole story.

Answer 2

A lot of times I think it has to do with jealousy and envy... the other person has something the other person wants or has accomplished something the one spreading rumors wants to do... It is childish really...

Answer 3

I'm with you... I stay out of other's business & I do not form opinions until I get the full story.  Those who gossip, are jealous. They love the negitivity & being vendictive. Honestly, they are the ones who are always looking over their shoulder for somone to stab them in the back also...  It's a vicous circle, I chose not to be a part of!

Answer 4

So far I have experienced very few relationships that do not eventually try to devolve into games of the second degree where people manipulate others and hear what and say what they want to say so to get some happening that will lead to the strokes they seek.  And we too are just as guilty in some ways in that we let ourselves be carried into this rumor back stabbing intricate and very complicated transaction with others and we must too be on our toes so as not to nor to do exactly that same thing seeing that it is so imbued sociologically into the equilibrium that all of us play in some way or other.  It is good to be aware of this in human relations.

Answer 5

the Bible says judge not lest ye be judged...it has also been said that people who live in glass houses shouldnt throw stones....in other words dont listen to what others say about someone...use your own observations to form your own opinion

Answer 6

its because people in this world believe the first thing the hear and it is fresh in there mind. but when it comes up again people just think o whatever it is old news

Answer 7

Agree with you 100%

Answer 8

Ideally, you are correct, people should be given a chance.   Unfortunately, friends support each other without questioning at times.   Aren't you slighted a little when a friend tells you a movie is really bad?  You are less likely to see it, right?  Human nature is a hard thing to fight because it is often unconscious, all we can try to do is be the best we can be ourselves, and people will follow by example.

Answer 9

First off, people lie about others due to a lack of self esteem.  They feel that if they can make someone else look bad, they will in turn look better.  (quite the opposite happens, I think).  There is a big war at my workplace right now because we have one indevidual who starts trouble on a constant basis.  Why do others believe it?  Not enough experience with people maybe??  Too trusting of the wrong people perhaps??  I have found that people usually believe the first story they hear and don't look to the other side to hear that.  Why???  I am not sure but I, like you, feel it is a shame.