Is It Ethical to Gossip?

1. Set Focus
Frame the inquiry with this essential question: Why do people gossip?

2. Read and Discuss
Have students read the debate and then answer the following questions

• What is the issue being debated? How does it relate to current events? (The issue is whether gossip is ethical. The issue is timely because while gossip is popular, teens who have been the targets of gossip have suffered from low self-esteem, isolation, and serious mental health problems.)

• Evaluate why these two authors might be interested in and qualified to comment on this issue. (Robin Dunbar is an expert on how people’s psychology has evolved over time, while Hannah Rose is a psychotherapist, which means it is her job to help patients who are struggling with stress or mental health issues.) 

• Analyze Dunbar’s view. (Dunbar argues that gossip is ethical because it is a bonding act that brings people together and is a quick and easy way for people to spread information about their social circles. However, he also argues that people should be careful about what they say.)

• Analyze Rose’s view. (Rose argues that gossip is not ethical. She says that the bonding involved in sharing gossip is false. She also notes that gossip often involves belittling and judging others in order to elevate oneself, and that ceasing that kind of behavior helps people be more accepting of themselves as well as others.) 

4. Writing Prompt
In an essay, evaluate one of the debaters’ arguments. Assess whether the reasoning is valid and whether it’s supported with evidence. Point out biases or missing information.

5. Classroom Debate
Is it ethical to gossip? Have students use the authors’ ideas, as well as their own, in a debate. 

6. Vote
Go online to vote in Upfront’s poll—and see how students across the country voted.