UC Berkeley Study Finds Gossip May Be Healthy for you

We’ve been accustomed to believe that gossip is a vile act detrimental to relationships. But a recent study conducted by psychologists at UC Berkeley has discovered that gossip may not be as bad as we may think.  In fact, a specific type of gossip called “pro-social” gossip has been found to lower stress and promote altruistic behavior. 

“Pro-social” gossip acts as a warning mechanism of others’ untrustworthy or dishonest behavior. As professor Robb Willer, UC Berkeley professor of psychology and sociology and co-author of the study, told the San Francisco Chronicle, “Much of what we call gossip is driven by a sincere desire to help others.”  In summary, we often talk behind each other’s back as a way to inform others of potential dangers. 

The UC Berkeley study included multiple economic trust games.  The largest experiment in the study included 300 participants.  The experiment found that participants acted more generously during the economic game after they were informed observers could pass gossip notes alerting others if they played the game unfairly.  The experiment concluded that the fear of being the subject of gossip increased the level of altruism of the participants. 
 
It is important to note that “pro-social” gossip is different from the rumor-mongering we associate with celebrities. Malicious gossip that tarnishes reputations and spreads false rumors are not to be praised. But when we use gossip to warn others of deceitful behavior, it can prevent exploitation and help us feel better about ourselves. No all gossip is bad; in fact, certain types of gossip can produce meaningful social benefits. 

Source: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/01/17/BAAS1MQI6H.DTL
 
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