Gossip is often understood as maliciously spreading information about other people, and a highly attractive part of celebrity culture. But social scientists beg to differ. As it turns out, humans are actually hardwired to pay attention to, and participate in, gossip. And let's face it: whether it's by the water cooler at work or at family gatherings, we love to talk about people. But this tendency is actually an evolutionary adaptation. Don't get ahead of yourself, however, as there's a right and wrong way to spill the tea. Check out this gallery to see how gossip began, evolved, became necessary, became dangerous, and some general guidelines to make sure you're doing it right.
Modern negative connotation
Gossip is generally perceived as negative, hurtful rumors or tabloids that are an invasion of privacy.
The definition of gossip
Most researchers, however, define gossip as any instance of talking about someone who isn't present and sharing information that isn't general knowledge.
Evidence of gossip from ages ago
The cave drawings we analyze now fall under the field of archaeology, but at its root it’s ancient gossip we’re looking at. It's people keeping track and alerting others of what’s going on.
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