Gossip is a practice that is omnipresent in society.Although it often has negative connotations, Science has begun to shed light on its positive aspects and its role in socialization. A recent study published in the journal Current Biology by researchers at Dartmouth College in the United States explored this dynamic in an innovative way.
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The researchers, led by Eishin Guli and Luke Zhang, created an online game in which players had to cooperate to achieve different goals. But, Some participants remained out of sight, forcing others to talk about their actions in order to better understand what was happening. This design sought to simulate a real society, where the actions of each member affect the rest, although they are not always directly observed.
A recent study published in the journal Current Biology explores this dynamic in an innovative way.
“Our inspiration was to create a realistic scenario in which you are a member of a community and are affected by the actions of all the other community members, most of whom you rarely observe and interact with directly.”Julie explained.
At the end of the game, The researchers found that players who argued about each other's actions felt more connected to each other. “When exchanging information with others, gossip is a way to build relationships.” Zhang commented in the Dartmouth Newsletter:“It involves trust and facilitates a social bond that is strengthened as greater communication occurs.”
This exchange of information, according to researchers, has a unifying effect.According to the study results, 85% of gossip is harmless talk, while only 15% is trivial. This suggests that most gossip is not harmful, but rather serves as a tool to keep us informed. On public morals and social norms.
Science often carries negative connotations, and science is beginning to highlight its positive aspects and its role in socialization.
The Dartmouth study highlights this. Gossip is a social barometer and an effective way to learn from the experiences of others.allowing people to strengthen their bonds in the process. This phenomenon has been supported by evolutionary studies that suggest that gossip facilitates the strengthening of social bonds.
For example, when a person meets a friend he has not seen for a long time, this action “The right” Often involves sharing gossip. Not only does this activity update friends on what's going on in their lives, it also strengthens their emotional connection.
Far from being just a negative practice, gossip plays an important role in human socialization. According to science, it is a crucial tool for building and maintaining relationships, providing a means of exchanging information and strengthening social bonds. This Dartmouth study provides valuable insight into how and whyGossip can be beneficial, thus challenging conventional perceptions about this very common practice.
