Rumors are poisonous to activist movements. As with meat, the problem is demand– and self deception.

We all know gossip is a problem, but we keep doing it anyway—and we've gotten good at convincing ourselves it's something nobler. In this essay, I explore how gossip functions as a demand-side problem: it's not just the people spreading rumors who cause harm, but all of us who eagerly consume them. Drawing on psychology research and some uncomfortable stories from my own life, I make the case that if we want healthier activist communities, we need to stop placing orders for juicy rumors—and I share the questions I'm using to hold myself accountable in 2026.'

This audio version of Sandcastles is produced using an AI clone of Aidan's voice. Please forgive mispronunciations. Read the original on Substack.

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