Why Humans Evolved to Gossip
SHHH. We’re spilling the beans. On gossip.
It’s hard not to feel excited when someone tells you they have something juicy to share. But in the next moment you may feel guilty. Isn’t gossiping bad to do?
Well… perhaps not always. And perhaps it’s one of humanity’s oldest social tools.
In this episode of Hold That Thought we explore the psychology of gossip, why humans evolved to gossip, and how it can actually help with cooperation, community and building trust. We also chat through the different types of gossip and the importance of finding your own line of what feels harmless (or dare we say helpful?) and when it turns destructive and toxic.
Whether you're a self-proclaimed gossip or someone who avoids it entirely, this episode reframes one of our most misunderstood social behaviors.
Topics: Gossip, community, anthropology, language, evolution, rumors, society
Resources:
Psst—Wanna Know Why Gossip Has Evolved in Every Human Society?
