Many of us simply cannot resist the temptation to gossip, they really enjoy it.
If so, then those who like to discuss other people will be pleased to know that gossip is a useful and necessary social skill for comfortable communication, according to Frank McAndrew, professor of psychology at Knox College (USA). His experiment showed that negative gossip stories that expose the shortcomings of a person unpleasant to us (his drunkenness, gambling, scandalous relationships, etc.) give a sense of confidence, help to understand oneself through comparison, and positive news about our pet ( receiving a promotion, inheritance, etc.) causes satisfaction and adds to our good mood. Such communication builds and cements our relationship. Discussing the behavior of others is a kind of “lubrication” of the entire social machine, which does not allow it to stop its course.