Skip to content

Something seems to happen to people when they meet a…

“Something seems to happen to people when they meet a journalist, and what happens is exactly the opposite of what one would expect. One would think that extreme wariness and caution would be the order of the day, but, in fact, childish trust and impetuosity are far more common.” quote by Janet Malcolm
Download Open image
“Something seems to happen to people when they meet a journalist, and what happens is exactly the opposite of what one would expect. One would think that extreme wariness and caution would be the order of the day, but, in fact, childish trust and impetuosity are far more common.”

Janet Malcolm

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

People often become overly trusting and impulsive with journalists, contrary to expected caution.

In simple terms: Journalists can elicit unexpected openness.

Key Takeaway

Beware of misplaced trust.

Themes

media human behavior trust

Mood

cautious analytical

Type

journalistic psychological

When to use this quote

  • interviews
  • press conferences
  • public statements

Key Concepts

psychology of interview power dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do people lower defenses with reporters?
  • How can journalists maintain ethical boundaries?
A Different Perspective

Trust can be exploited by media.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Janet Malcolm

Explore all 62 Janet Malcolm quotes

More Childish quotes

Browse all 299 Childish quotes