|
Gossip is not a character flaw, but an evolved mechanism for maintaining status in one’s social group. "The results confirmed a consistent pattern of interest in gossip that is exploitable for social gain. Specifically, damaging, negative news about rivals and positive news about friends and lovers was especially prized and likely to be passed on."
From an evolutionary perspective, the research suggests that gossip serves a reproductive purpose. Information about sexual activities and health was most interesting to study participants when it concerned romantic partners. Participants also prized information about cheaters that was potentially damaging to the reputation and integrity of same-sex rivals.
|