Why do people GOSSIP?

Question

I have notice several people in my office gossip? Most of whom, at some point or another, say how much they dislike gossip. But they do it all the time. And sorry ladies, but it's mostly women. Why? Is it an addiction? An incurable disease?

Answer 1

Here are some possible reasons:

TO FEEL SUPERIOR
When people are feeling bad about themselves, they sometimes think they’ll feel better if there were someone worse off than they are. It’s like, it’s okay being near the bottom, as long as they’re not actually on the bottom. The easiest way for them to make sure someone else is on the bottom is to make up a rumor that puts him or her there.

TO FEEL LIKE PART OF THE GROUP
If everybody else is gossiping or spreading rumors, they might feel they have to do the same thing in order to fit in. When they’re “in on the secret,” they’re in the group. Unfortunately, the person who the gossip or rumor is about is usually left out of the group for the same reason that they’re let into it.

FOR ATTENTION
When they know a secret that nobody knows, or are the first person in your group to hear a rumor, it can make them the center of attention. A rumor or piece of gossip is sometimes like money; telling it to people is like buying their attention, if only for a few minutes. They might even save up a really scandalous rumor, waiting for the right moment to blab so they get the maximum amount of attention for it.

FOR CONTROL OR POWER
Certain people always want to be in control and at the top of the ladder. You probably know at least one person who needs to be the leader, say what goes, and make all the decisions. When people are at the top of the popularity scale, or are determined to climb higher, one way they do this is by reducing the “status” of another person. Spreading rumors and gossip is one of the main ways people reduce another person’s status, especially among girls. It’s like one caveman beating up another caveman for control of the tribe…only it’s done with cruel whispers and petty remarks instead of fists.

OUT OF JEALOUSY OR A NEED FOR REVENGE
If they’re jealous of someone’s looks, popularity, or money, they might gossip about that person in order to hurt him or her. If they feel that someone’s done something bad to them, or deserves to be hurt, making up a rumor might satisfy their sense of justice.

OUT OF BOREDOM
Did you know that in many studies, this was the #1 reason why people say they spread rumors? Sometimes, a period where everyone is happy and getting along just seems kind of…dull. Spreading juicy dish might shake things up a bit, or get two people to start a fight, and that would make life a little more exciting. All those tabloid newspapers and TV shows full of celebrity gossip are pure proof that rumors are a popular form of entertainment.

Answer 2

actually, anthropologists are starting to believe that gossip had an evolutionary purpose. picture this: in the prehistoric hunter-gatherer period of humans, the women stayted behind the caves, and did what? gossip! it's somehow a way to strengthen bonds and update each other on "tribe happenings". it's also a way to secure a better part of the community meal.

gossip maybe mean sometimes, but it maybe helped a lot before. why else would such behavior continue on to this day? :P

Answer 3

It's just something to do most of the time. AND I know lots of men who gossip too !! But you are right, the bulk of gossips are women !!

Answer 4

Most people just gossip because it makes them feel better about themselves. If they put other people down and talk about them, it makes them feel bigger and more powerful. It's actually kind of a way to bully people. I try to avoid gossiping, but sometimes it's hard to resist. I always feel guilty afterwards.

Answer 5

I guess u cud say its human nature. BUT i 4one try never to gossip and when people start i either walk away or turn it into "love" gossip and start saying all the nice things and look at the positive side:)

Answer 6

I am trying not to gossip so much, but I don't know, I just get some kind of sick thrill from spreading others misery. It's definitely addictive. And sad. I know, at least I admit it.

Answer 7

I noticed that peopel that really don't have much of a life tend to gossip more then happy peopel that love their own life. Me for example I love talking aboutmyself all day! LOL I really don't care much about what others do!
& Men do gossip as well as female, they just do it amongst themselves!

Answer 8

Gossip means to destroy other people in one way or another. Gossipers often think they are better than the VICTIM!

Answer 9

you are right women do love gossiping, i hate it. coz i have been a victim of gossiping for quite a while now, i think when you look better than the others you definately ask fro them to gossip you.

Answer 10

yes many women these days or always love to gossip. to tell u the truth its just something natural that women do. its lyka guy n a sport. they just love it but women may not no y they love it so much. if a guy see's another guy not into sports n into lyk gossip its lyk saying that guys weird or gay. well if a women see's another lady into lyk football or other sports n never gossiping its lyk saying shes to manly or theirs sumthing wrong with her. well lyk i said its just something natural that women do . its lyk gurls watching chick flicks.