Venting as Polite Aggression

A cited study suggests 'venting' often functions as a reputational mask that lets people say mean things without seeming mean. Rather than releasing 'steam,' it’s a strategy to attack rivals while claiming emotional hygiene. — If venting is socially sanctioned aggression, HR policies, online moderation, and therapeutic advice that encourage 'venting' may be legitimizing covert hostility rather than reducing conflict.