The Secret Social Superpower: Why Gossip Is Essential to Human Bonding

Furthermore, a less altruistic motive that underpins the fascination with gossip is the opportunity for indirect aggression and self-advancement. While not the most common motive, gossip can be used covertly to harm a rival's reputation, sabotage their social standing, or create an unfavorable perception of them among group members. This non-confrontational form of aggression allows an individual to advance their own interests or reduce competition without engaging in a direct, high-risk conflict.