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

Another key factor is the sheer entertainment value and emotional release that gossip provides. The unfolding drama of other people's lives offers a welcome distraction from the monotony of daily routine, injecting excitement and emotional stimulation at a minimal personal cost. This form of "recreational value" often taps into a human fascination with narrative and storytelling, where the stakes feel high and the characters are real, making it more compelling than fiction.