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Gossip Is a Social Skill, Not a Character Flaw
Celebrity Gossip's Purpose
Our interest in celebrities may feed off of this thirst for learning life strategies.
Our fixation on celebrities is reflective of an innate interest in the lives of others and an artificial sense of familiarity which tricks us into thinking they are important to us. But they also serve as “common friends” that serves as a safe subject of gossip to facilitate interaction between people.
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Key Ideas
We’re Hardwired To Gossip
Our prehistoric ancestors lived in small intimate groups. To survive they needed to cooperate with in-group members while also competing for mates and limited resources.
It was fundamental to know who was reliable, trustworthy, a cheater, a good mate and so on. To that end, an intense interest in the private dealings of others was beneficial and favored by natural selection.
Social Isolation
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, neither trusted nor accepted by the group.
Gossip also helps to integrate newcomers into groups by exposing group norms and values.
Fear Of Whispers Keeps Us In Check
The awareness that others are likely talking about us can keep us in line. Among a group of friends or coworkers, the threat of becoming the target of gossip can deter “free-riders” and cheaters.
Celebrity Gossip's Purpose
Our interest in celebrities may feed off of this thirst for learning life strategies.
Our fixation on celebrities is reflective of an innate interest in the lives of others and an artificial sense of familiarity which tricks us into thinking they are important to us. But they also serve as “common friends” that serves as a safe subject of gossip to facilitate interaction between people.
SIMILAR ARTICLES & IDEAS:
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Key Ideas
The Bad Reputation
Generally, gossiping has a bad reputation. It is called the faceless demon that breaks hearts and ruins careers. It is also termed as the three-pronged tongue that kills the teller, listener, and t...
Facts About Gossip
Gossip is malicious only 3 to 4 percent of times and seems to bring people together, as when two people talk about a third one, having a common 'adversary' creates a bond between them.
The Good Side of Gossiping
Gossip can make us better people, according to some researchers.
- Positive gossip inspires people while negative gossip makes people proud of themselves.
- People learn about themselves through the grapevine.
- Many people decide to reform themselves because of the gossip they have heard.
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5
Key Ideas
Policing Behavior
Gossiping is a good way of identifying friends and foes. We are either judge, jury or executioner when we gossip — and we use the information we cull to keep immoral influences at arm's leng...
Keeping Us Safe
We ensure our well-being by exchanging information about the world around us (and the potential dangers it contains) with as many people as possible.
Building Social Bonds
Gossip is a key social skill that helps ensure our healthy integration into human society.
Gossiping with somebody is a way of bringing people closer within your social group, checking that they share your views, and bonding over shared positions and judgements. The people you gossip most with, therefore, are the ones with whom you're the closest.
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Key Ideas
Shame
Shame is a universal experience. Shame enforces adherence to beneficial social norms.
Shaming is a tool and can be used for good or evil. We should use it when the outcome has a great...
Guilt vs shame
Guilt is a private feeling of regret about something you did, and the discomfort leads to self-regulation regardless of exposure.
Shaming is about the possibility of being exposed to an audience.
Effective shaming
Shaming can give the weak greater power. It can be used as a tool to encourage structural changes of institutions, organizations, and powerful individuals by exposing a transgressor to public disapproval.
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