Mention the word “gossip” and you are greeted with a frown. Though almost everybody either loves to gossip or ends up gossiping, it is still considered a bad thing to do. However, if a new finding is to be believed, people who gossip are apparently doing something positive. The scientists carried out a series of detailed experiments to arrive at the conclusion that talking about others helps control bad behaviour, prevents someone being exploited and even lowers stress.
Gossip means discussing an individual in his absence with a person or a group, which is usually considered negative. “But for me, gossip is a way to vent out. I don’t know if medically gossip relieves stress but it definitely helps in relieving mental pressure. Gossip is just an outlet for my frustrations and emotions. It also helps in avoiding any confrontations,” says HR manager Shiv Sood.
The new study is in sync with Kabir’s doha: Nindak niyare rakhiye, angan kuti chawai, bin pani sabun pina, nirmal kare subhaiy, feels lawyer Arjun Natrajan. “It in essence means, keep your critics close to you as that would keep your nature clean. I believe that gossip does benefit the ones who are at its receiving end and it may also have therapeutic benefits for the gossiper as well. I feel good when I gossip about someone in his/her presence, as I find it entertaining and at the same time I do not end up fighting,” says Arjun.
Gossip is a good and refreshing break from boring life, feels Suchi Sharma, a DU student. She says, “Life gets very monotonous sometimes. Most of us gossip to kill the monotony in life and get some thrill out of discussing someone’s life. Gossip need not be negative in nature. I think if done in a harmless manner, gossip can bring down stress levels and add some excitement to a dull life.”