Why do we gossip?
Starting Point. Discuss the questions below.
- Do you think gossip is mostly positive or negative? Why?
- Have you ever been affected by gossip at work? How?
- Why do people gossip? Do you think it serves a purpose?
- What are the Positive aspects of gossip? Negative aspects of gossip?
Focus on Vocabulary. Do you agree with these statements? Why? Why not?
Focus on Comprehension. Answer the questions below about the video.
Focus on Listening. Watch the video. Read the transcript below if necessary.
As social beings, we are inherently predisposed to engage in gossip. This inclination has deep roots in human evolution, playing a crucial role in the development and maintenance of social structures. In small-scale societies, where survival depended on cooperation and trust, awareness of one’s social environment was paramount. Gossip provided a vital mechanism for navigating these complex dynamics, revealing who held power, who possessed scarce resources, and who might pose a threat.
While often perceived negatively, gossip serves both beneficial and detrimental purposes. Even those who vehemently deny engaging in gossip likely participate in it, albeit unknowingly. Sharing information about a friend’s potentially toxic relationship or seeking retribution against someone who unjustly claimed credit for your work are examples of gossip with varying moral implications.
A 2019 study by a team of psychologists sheds light on the prevalence and nature of gossip. 467 adults wore electronic recorders for 2 to 5 days, capturing their conversations. The researchers analyzed the audio recordings, identifying and classifying instances of gossip as positive, negative, or neutral. The results revealed that nearly everyone in the study engaged in gossip, with only 34 individuals out of 467 abstaining entirely. Interestingly, the majority of gossip (75%) was classified as neutral, suggesting that it often serves as a means of information exchange rather than malicious intent. While women tended to gossip more frequently than men, both genders exhibited similar levels of positive and negative gossip. Additionally, extroverted individuals were more likely to engage in gossip than introverted individuals.
The motivations behind gossip are multifaceted. Research conducted by Stanford University indicates that gossipers often have both positive and emotional motivations. Gossip can be a tool for social control, prompting individuals to modify their behavior when they become the target of negative gossip. Furthermore, gossip plays a crucial role in maintaining social order by providing insights into who to avoid and who to trust. However, the use of gossip can vary significantly, with some individuals employing it to gain attention, forge social bonds, or undermine others out of envy or insecurity.
Despite the limitations of this single study, it underscores the pervasive nature of gossip and its role in shaping our understanding of the social world. The ethical implications of gossip lie not in the information itself, but in the manner in which it is used. Gossip, therefore, is a social skill, and its impact depends entirely on the intentions and actions of the individuals involved.
Group Task.
- You overhear colleagues spreading a rumour about a co-worker’s personal life. What do you do?
- A colleague shares inside company information with you. Should you pass it on?
- Your manager gives credit for your idea to someone else. Would you address this, and how?
Debate – Gossip: Essential or Harmful?
- There will be two groups (For & Against).
- Each side must prepare three arguments to support their position.
- Groups debate, taking turns presenting arguments and responding to each other.
Focus on Speaking.Â
Has your opinion on gossip changed after today’s lesson? Why or why not?
