Indeed, psychologists have established that when we disparage people behind their backs, something called “spontaneous trait transference” occurs, wherein you start to assume the qualities you’re assigning to the subject of discussion. Drone on about your frenemy’s bad jokes or tacky sense of style, and sure enough, your fellow conversationalist may start to think of you as unfunny and tacky. This finding is consistent; the trouble is that it only applies to in-person interactions.
