Other common cause of gossip are envy and a desire to feel superior. When you spread rumors about someone, it reduces that person’s status in other people ‘s eyes. Judging other people negatively can make insecure people feel better about themselves, at least temporarily. Jen lyle recalls having been guilty of this herself: “ when I had been at my first job for about a year, I was hoping for a promotion. Instead, they hired a new woman for the job that I had wanted. About six mounts later, a friend who worked in human resources told me that woman had been given a really bad performance review. My friend said that if the woman’s performance didn’t improve, she would be in danger of being fired. I knew that this was confidential information, but each time I was having a conversation with someone in the office, I somehow found myself gossiping about it. “ gossiping also made jen feel powerful, important, and like the center of attention- at least for the few minutes it took to divulge the gossip. However, jen adds, “ The woman’s performance improved, and she’s very good at her job now. Also, I’ve gotten to Know her, and she’s really a nice person. Now I’m always worried someone will tell her that I used to gossip about her”
Interestingly though, the number one reason most young people gossip is not envy, insecurity, or a desire for attention or acceptance. According to polls, most young people say they gossip out of boredom. Some people Feel that when there is no conflict or drama in their social circle, life is too dull. For them, spreading rumors shakes things up and makes life more interesting. In essence, for many people gossip is a from of entertainment. Cindy LaMott, a 19-year-old freshman at a community college admits to being a big gossiper. Explains Cindy, “the truth is too boring. Gossip is Fun. Though I don’t know whether I’d Feel that way if the gossip was about me”
However, for all its potential to do harm, gossip is not always a negative thing. Some gossip is harmless talk that is part of how people communicate and stay connected with each other When people gossip about minor things, gossip can strengthen bonds between people and within a community. The issue isn’t so much with gossip itself, but with the content of the gossip becomes a problem when it is derogatory and hurtful.
So the next time you hear a piece of gossip and feel the urge to pass it on,stop for a moment. Ask yourself whether the gossip will do harm to the person being gossiped about. If you think it might, it’s a good time to keep your mouth closed.