GALESBURG, Ill., June 29 (UPI) -- An Illinois psychologist says gossiping is an evolutionary mechanism for maintaining social status and not a character flaw.
In a study published in the Journal of Applied Social Psychology, author Francis McAndrew of Knox College says he found a consistent pattern of interest in gossip that is exploitable for social gain.
"Specifically, damaging, negative news about rivals and positive news about friends and lovers was especially prized and likely to be passed on," McAndrew writes.
He says understanding the evolutionary underpinnings of gossip helps explain a variety of things ranging from individual differences in social skills to why we are fascinated with the lives of celebrities.
From an evolutionary perspective, McAndrew says research suggests gossip serves a reproductive purpose.
Study participants were most interested in information concerning sexual activities and also prized information that was damaging to same-sex rivals.
The results also highlighted gender differences in gossip behavior.
McAndrew says aside from romantic partners, men and women were most interested in gossip about same-sex others.
