BRYAN LUFKIN

• It helps us get information about people from others when the network is too big to get it firsthand.
• Gossip offers teachable moments and provides examples of what's socially acceptable and what's not.
• People want to be seen positively by others and fit in socially. Gossip...

Gossip doesn’t only teach us about the person who’s the subject of the conversation, but also about the gossiper. When you gossip you tell others things about your attitudes, beliefs, and ways of dealing with people by seeing who and what you gossip about.

When y...

Sharing secrets is one way people bond, so avoiding gossip may lead to social isolation. Someone skillful at gossip can be socially informed and have a good rapport with others. On the other hand, someone who doesn’t gossip may become an outsider,...