There is always that person who calls without any obvious reason, asks what is happening with everyone, and somehow turns a five-minute conversation into a detailed investigation of someone else's relationship, workplace drama or latest decision. It can look like simple nosiness, but psychology suggests that the urge to collect and exchange gossip can serve several different social functions. Researchers have linked gossip with social curiosity, information gathering, social comparison, group bonding, validation and even reputation management. That does not mean everyone who enjoys gossip is malicious. In fact, research suggests that people may gossip for surprisingly different reasons, ranging from entertainment and curiosity to protecting friends from someone perceived as untrustworthy.
