The Gossip Culture

 

Why do people gossip?

Aside from being a favorite pastime... talking about the life of others has high entertainment value. You can ask Cristy Fermin, the high priestess and a guru of chismis, chica-chica, and rumor-mongering.

Talk is cheap and gossip is considered the cheapest of all recreational activities. A friend from America admits, that gossiping using the internet maintains her sanity ... a good scandal perks up her energy  ... it is like a blood transfusion - it gives color to her otherwise anemic existence and a much-needed breath for another lease of life.

Gossiping can be a simple chat on Facebook, ... or browsing political dirt on YouTube and keeping yourself updated with what's going on in the lives of your favorite actors and actresses.

For your mental health, gossiping is socially connecting with friends, and talking with them gives you some feel-good emotions recognizing you are in a better situation - that makes you feel good about yourself.

When you indulge in an idle talk with your group ... it gives you the green light to be human. It allows you to embrace your imperfections and learn from your mistakes. It permits you to laugh and cry ... and gives you the freedom to tell stories that you enjoy ... and share details and knowledge with people you are bonding with ... and the group you can trust.

While behavioral scientists and social pundits believe that gossiping is harmless and generally thought of as healthy ... some people cross the line and go beyond what is proper and unacceptable.

When rumors are being spread in a workplace maliciously and the rumor-monger's intention is to destroy the person's name ... that is where gossip turns around from HARMLESS to HARMFUL. 

When one feels happy about the misfortune of the person he loathes ... that's a big turnaround. This is when gossip bloom and metamorphoses from being HEALTHY to UNHEALTHY.

The mere fact that you are happy ... is SICK.  And being petty and vindictive.