That longstanding debate of nature versus nurture just took a turn. According to a University of Florida study, your environment has a lot more influence than you might even realize—at least where rudeness is concerned.
Researchers found that people on the receiving end of rude behavior interpreted neutral behavior as rude, resulting in them acting out said rude behavior and perpetuating the cycle. Multiple experiments were conducted before these results were determined, People reports.
In one experiment, participants watched a video of either a polite or rude interaction between co-workers and then interpreted neutral emails. Those who witnessed a rude exchange interpreted the emails as rude. In other words, just seeing someone being rude can influence the way we understand things.
In another, participants engaged in negotiation exercises with designated partners. Those with rude counterparts were then seen as rude in interactions after that because they carried those angry feelings with them, causing them to act not-so-amiably.
It might be time to guard yourself against more than just the flu this season. That rudeness thing is contagious.
