Gossip An Evolutionary Tool Not A Character Flaw (7/1/2007)

A new study in Journal of Applied Social Psychology suggests that gossip is not a character flaw, but an evolved mechanism for maintaining status in one's social group. "The results of our study confirmed a consistent pattern of interest in gossip that is exploitable for social gain," says study author Francis McAndrew. "Specifically, damaging, negative news about rivals and positive news about friends and lovers was especially prized and likely to be passed on."

From an evolutionary perspective, the research suggests that gossip serves a reproductive purpose. Information about sexual activities and health was most interesting to study participants when it concerned romantic partners. Participants also prized information about cheaters that was potentially damaging to the reputation and integrity of same-sex rivals.

The study results also highlight gender differences in gossip behavior. Aside from romantic partners, males and females were more interested in information about same-sex others than about opposite-sex others. Overall, men were more likely to confide in their romantic partners, but females were equally likely to share gossip with their lovers and same-sex friends.

"Understanding the evolutionary underpinnings of gossip help us understand a variety of social phenomena, ranging from explaining individual differences in social skills to the fascination that we have with the lives of celebrities," says McAndrew

Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by Blackwell Publishing

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