• 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 can help to keep people in check morally.
• Gossip can spread the reputation of someone.
• Gossip facilitate bonding and closeness.
• It can also serve as a form of entertainment.

All humans partake in gossip in some form. Everyone talks about other people. One study found that male participants spent 55% of conversation time and female participants 67% conversation time on socially relevant topics.

People like to think of gossip as the same as mali...