Gossipping doesn’t exactly have the best reputation. Branded as a low-class and judgemental form of social interaction, most of us would agree that being labelled a gossip is far from desirable. Yet (whether we care to admit it or not) we all enjoy indulging in gossip from time to time. This leaves us with the question- can something universally recognised as bad, actually have the power to make us feel good? Is this high, like alcohol or chocolate, part of its evil, or is there more to gossiping than we might have assumed?
When considering our motivations behind gossiping, most of us would probably argue that we just had to get it off our chest, or couldn’t keep it to ourselves any longer. Although not always the case, it highlights how gossiping can act as a therapeutic platform for us to voice our concerns and achieve a mental catharsis. In fact, a study conducted by the University of California found that after participants experienced alleviated heart rates, gossiping was able to act as a stress-relief mechanism, calming them down. So, partaking in that lunchtime gossip session could actually provide valid mental health benefits!
Additionally, many of us claim that gossipping has an important role in forming relationships. Considering the word gossip originated from the term ‘god-sibb’, now godparent, to describe a woman’s close friend after the birth of her child, it is not far-fetched to assume gossiping plays a role in the bonding process. We have all experienced that feeling of closeness when a friend or colleague confides in you, as you feel that they trust you with personal information and so you feel comfortable reciprocating this. In fact, some evolutionist psychologists argue that this feeling enabled cavemen to survive, as it helped them create crucial networks of trust and filter limited resources.
If that is not enough, Robb Willer argues that gossip can promote social norms and improve the collective behaviour of a group. In his study, he found that, in group situations, gossiping allows participants to align with positive individuals and exclude antisocial ones. Although gossiping often is seen to promote prejudice, this highlights that it can equally encourage positive qualities. As well as this, there are some situations where direct conflict is not beneficial for anyone involved, like the workplace or family dinners. So, although talking behind someone’s back may not appear to be exemplary moral behaviour, it could be the best way to avoid tension within complex social settings.
In summary, we may owe gossiping a bit of an apology. Although context and intention is greatly important, this lowly pastime can actually be very beneficial. So, next time you feel guilty for being a bit of a gossip, think of the positive benefits. After all, it helped our pre-historic relatives survive!
References used:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120117145103.htm
https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/research-hidden-benefits-gossip-ostracism
Illustration via Lucian Gutsche