However, building a relationship on negative gossip isn’t a good idea. If all you do is gossip about people, it can make it difficult for your friends to fully trust you.
If someone can't stop criticizing their peers, it's a good sign that they are also hyper-critical of themselves. The kinder you are to yourself, the kinder you will be to others. It goes both ways.
People need reassurance to invoke the concept of trust, something that allows people to be open and authentic. People need reassurance because it helps alleviate doubts and insecurities, providing a sense of validation and comfort in uncertain situations.
Sometimes, people don't feel secure in their relationships or friendships. They've forgotten how to behave like a normal adult around others.
Let's say you've just started a new position at a company where a lot of your co-workers have been working for a long time. If a co-worker gives information about how the boss reacts negatively to tardiness,
Gossip reinforces our opinions, but offers no personal growth. Avoid gossip to stay open-minded and embrace new perspectives. - Susan Kulakowski
Gossiping is in our genes to do as a survival instinct. Gossiping can serve as a survival instinct by helping individuals gather information about potential threats and allies within their social group.
Gossiping can be driven by identity struggles as it allows individuals to compare themselves to others and gain a sense of superiority or validation.
Jealousy often fuels gossip as it provides an avenue to express resentment or frustration towards those we perceive as having what we desire. By gossiping about individuals who evoke jealousy, we can attempt to tarnish their reputations and level the playing field in our minds.
By engaging in gossip, individuals can signal their willingness to conform to group norms and demonstrate their knowledge of shared information. Gossiping about others can also serve as a bonding mechanism, creating a sense of camaraderie and belonging among those who participate.