Gossip?

[Tamara-B]

Gossip, gossip, and more gossip. We see it among strangers, friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and popular culture. There are gossip websites such as TMZ, Perezhilton.com, and thehollywoodgossip.com all pertaining to the inside scoop on celebrities.

Gossip- idle talk or rumor, especially about the personal or private affairs of others. (dictionary.com)

Gossiper- a person given to tattling or idle talk (dictionary.com)

Synonyms: hearsay, small talk, chitchat, rumor monger, etc. (dictionary.com)

It goes on and on

For decades, it has seemed like woman receive the bad rap when it comes to gossip.

From elementary school to the nursing home, it's the female species who just go on and on about this person did that, who did what, they said this, and no they didn't! Supposedly...

There's even a popular show, titled Gossip Girl, which follows and spills the dirty deeds of the lives of rich Upper East Inside teens and young adults through the eyes of a blogger named Gossip Girl.

However, don't men gossip just as much? Or is it viewed differently? Women gossip and men just converse?

Several months ago I strolled over to the lock shop to get my work key updated and almost laughed when I heard two middle-aged men talking about Justin Beiber's love life.

Also, is gossip all bad? I see gossip almost everyday and I won't lie and say I haven't done it, because I'm definitely not perfect. I've also seen it on these crazy reality shows. One cast member expresses how she feels about another. When that other gets wind of the gossip all hell breaks loose.

Usually the gossip is something small and frivolous.

So, do men gossip as much as women? Is gossip really that bad? Why are women accused of frequent gossip?

What do you think?

[gjosephunf]

Hello Tamara-B I definitely see the "good" and "bad" behind gossip. In a Social Psychology class we discussed Social Networking and according to researchers Eko Meinarno and Christany Suwartono [Gossip can serve as social control of one's behavior. Social control grows our safety feeling, which in turn fulfills the basic needs of human beings (Maslow, 1970). Safety feelings allows one's personality to feel apart of a group. Gossip also serves four functions >> information, maintaining friendships, influencing things, and entertainment (Foster, 2004).]

I think socially we are living in times where information is quick, and disposable. Individuals have the ability to gossip in person, or via internet. I don't think women gossip more than males or vice-versa. I've definitely seen guys gossiping about acquaintances/professors at UNF.

[Tamara-B]

I agree there are good and bad sides to gossip.

[AshleyLauren]

I have no idea as to why we do it, but I do know men do it just as much. The difference may be that the men a. only gossip amongst their close friends about outside parties or b. they gossip with women by being the inquirer of information rather than the giver of information. My grandfather, brother, and boyfriend are all suckers for any gossip I have about anyone they may or may not know. I find it hilarious. Perhaps, gossip is just one of those lessons in life you have to learn. You learn the power behind being gossiped about or being the one caught gossiping and in the end I think you find out who the true friends in your life are by the ones you can trust to keep their mouths shut.

While, that is my simple input I have a feeling I will think about it for days, so I may get back to you! Good thought Tamara.

[mtraininjax]

If you have a Twitter account, Flickr, Facebook, you can be in the news business, so yeah, men and women gossip an equal amount.

[Timkin]

I have no idea as to why we do it, but I do know men do it just as much.

  really? 

[Timkin]

http://youtu.be/wPCLB-XC4p8

[BridgeTroll]

Several months ago I strolled over to the lock shop to get my work key updated and almost laughed when I heard two middle-aged men talking about Justin Beiber's love life.

Really??    I MUST know... what were they saying... Do tell... 

[Timkin]

[AshleyLauren]

http://youtu.be/wPCLB-XC4p8

ahahaha, Oh Timkin, again you have made my day!! Wth did you just make me watch!!

[Timkin]

http://youtu.be/wPCLB-XC4p8

ahahaha, Oh Timkin, again you have made my day!! Wth did you just make me watch!!

It was from a show called Hee-Haw.  I thought of that song immediately when I saw the Title of the thread. lol