Causes of Gossiping and Talking Behind Others
You’ve likely witnessed those around you gossiping and noticed that many people talk behind each other’s backs, and perhaps you’ve done it too. Some individuals even spread rumors while gossiping about others. But what drives people to talk behind each other’s backs? What causes gossip? In this part ofour discussionwe’ll explain this.
The Scientific Reason: Why Do Some People Gossip?
Some researchers believe that our ancestors also engaged in gossip. In fact, people consider gossip a way to foster connections. They use it to interact socially and exchange information with others.
Gossip can sometimes allow individuals to share vital information and connect within a larger social network. When people aren’t part of these discussions, they struggle to enhance their social presence. Generally, people enjoy sharing information about others, which we simply call gossip.
Some researchers suggest that gossip allows individuals to assess what is accepted or rejected within society. For example, when people discuss someone’s infidelity using negative language, others recognize just how taboo infidelity can be in that community.
What Psychological Reasons Underlie Gossip?
A study in 2015 examined brain activity in men and women when they heard both positive and negative gossip regarding themselves, their best friends, and celebrities.
The results revealed that when individuals hear negative gossip, the prefrontal cortex of their brain is more active, relating to our ability to navigate complex and negative social behaviors.
Scientists and psychologists view our tendency to gossip as a desire to appear favorable in others’ eyes and to receive positive feedback, and gossip fulfills this need.
The research also found that the brain’s reward center is activated when people hear negative gossip about celebrities, generating excitement and entertainment. They feel happy when hearing positive gossip about themselves and negative gossip about others, but they do not wish to hear negative gossip about themselves, which is completely rational and natural.
Other Reasons for Gossiping
In addition to what’s been discussed, people gossip for the following reasons:
Feeling Superior
As mentioned earlier, people often remind others of their mistakes through gossip to showcase their superiority and create a sense of feeling better than others.
Relieving Boredom
When individuals cannot engage in exciting discussions with others or share their ideas, information, and awareness, they may begin to gossip as a way to break the monotony.
Jealousy
Sometimes people gossip due to jealousy, trying to harm another’s reputation, talent, or lifestyle.
Belonging to a Group
People sometimes resort to gossip to fit in with a group and have something to say. By participating in gossip, they seek acceptance from others.
Attracting Attention
Some individuals start gossiping to become the center of attention in the short term. They seek validation through gossip and rumors, although this satisfaction is temporary.
Escaping fromStressand Discomfort
Some individuals choose gossiping as a way to distract themselves and free their minds from worries for a while.
