Rude Behavior Spreads Like a Disease

Collectively, the data from Foulk and colleagues highlight the dangers of low-intensity negative behaviors, even those that are merely witnessed rather than personally experienced. With negative behaviors, the witness becomes the perpetrator, just as the person who touches a doorknob recently handled by a flu sufferer can themselves get sick and infect others. No conscious intent is necessary, and the contagion may last for days. Unfortunately, unlike the flu, there currently is no known inoculation for this contagion.