Why Gossiping Is Actually Great For Your Brain Health

People thrive on socializing with each other and interacting with other people. However, many people feel turned off and a bit uncomfortable when conversations with others turn into gossip. We have all been raised on our parent's golden rule that if you have nothing nice to say, you should say nothing. But, in reality, people will talk about others and bring up other people's business in conversations, regardless of what mom and dad said. 

 Gossip is essentially talking about another person, good or bad, with someone else while that specific person is not present (via Brainworld Magazine). Therefore, many people think gossip is "wrong," because the person who is the topic of conversation isn't there to defend themselves. It can also cause people to think negatively about the person who initiates the gossip, and cause them to have trust issues with others. 

However, there are some people who believe that gossip is actually good for you and can benefit you and others around you.

Gossip has a negative connotation to it, but many believe that gossip can actually be good for people and for social relationships. A study conducted by the journal of Social Psychological and Personality Science showcased that gossiping actually helps build communication and interpersonal relationships between others (via Yahoo News). When people gossip with each other, studies showcase that the pleasure center in the brain is receptive to this, which causes people to react positively and connect with others more deeply. Whether it's the newfound information, or the building of social bonds and trust, people feel closer to each other when they gossip. 

In addition, studies also show that gossiping can protect people and communities. A study conducted at the University of California, Berkeley showcased that gossiping about intruders or dangerous people can protect individuals and their communities (via Brainworld Magazine). Sometimes gossip can be juvenile, but other times it is driven by a need to help others and protect them from bad people. 

So, the next time someone tells you if you have nothing nice to say, don't say it — it could actually be better if you did say it.