We all do it and we all know it is done. But apparently gossiping is making us care more about what other people think and leading us to become caring, generous people.
According to experiments carried out by Queens University in Belfast, people who knew that their actions were going to be discussed would act differently to those who didn’t. The study, published in the journal Evolution and Human Behaviour, concluded “It would appear that the threat of gossip only serves to promote generous behaviour when people are given the opportunity to enhance their reputation”.
As an unavoidable part of life, gossiping has followed us from the playground to the office, but let’s hope our paranoia pays off and we are all able to become a kind and thoughtful nation.
Comments