I think part of it has to do with establishing the social "pecking order": humans (and some animals) are pretty particular about how they fit in with the group -- who's better than whom, who likes who, etc. Establishing this social order gets a lot of the mind's attention, and gossip is part of the maneuvering and politicking that goes on. Rising in the pecking-order involves undermining others and building alliances (kissing up to those "above" you, etc.) Of course, this takes on sinister dimensions in society, in part because the true nature of the activity isn't openly acknowledged -- we don't admit to doing this jockeying for position. If everyone was able to cop to the charge ("yeah, ok, I guess I am somewhat of a manipulative, gossiping egotist. My bad!"), there would perhaps be some relief available...

To answer this fully, I would refer you to the book "Grooming, Gossip, and the Evolution of Language" by Robin Dunbar, which which I agree 95%. However, I'll give you the short form. Humans are the most interdependent of the complex species. A human left on their own, not only without society, but without the products of society, is extremely vulnerable. I ti only by gathering together that humans can survive. Particularly, the long period of vulnerability of human children means that they *must* grow up in a social group. But a social group of the human style has long-term debts, obligations, friendships and enmities. Particularly because humans have non-perishable goods which one can call "capital". The gnu killed today must be eaten today. But the cloak woven this week can be traded next ween and traded again the week after. All of which gives the opportunity of lying and cheating. I can ask you for a share of your gnu this week, promising a share of my gnu next week - and then break my promise and give it to that beautiful girl over there. And without words, you have the choice of fighting me now (but I am bigger than you) of resentfully putting up with it. But gossip sorts this all out. Suddenly, people can compare notes and find out the cheats. Without words, I can offer both Annabel and Belinda a haunch of gnu, and then imply we should go and make babies behind that bush. But if they talk to each other, or if they both talk to Camilla, they can detect my cheating ways and turn to David and Edward, who will remain faithful to them. So gossip is the glue which binds society together. Without gossip, we would have no way of knowing who was trustworthy and who not - so we would have to presume untrustworthy. With gossip in all its forms, we exchange notes and form a co0llective opinion of everybody else. The fact that an awful lot of gossip is about sex (in all its forms, including romance) just shows how important sex - or rahter, relationships - is.

On the small and short of it, I Am personally in highschool. i believe it has to do with lack of interest in ones own life, or insparation to ruin someones social pattern, resulting in "drama" or fighting. The main cause of it as a adolesecnt is Jealousy.

I think other than being privy to "restricted" news, it makes you feel like you belong to a special club!

Want my guess? It's easier for the gossiper to point his or her finger at other people than to look at the mirror and point the finger at himself or herself.

My answer to your question is- People who Gossip are usually not to be trusted. I will not listen to Gossip or Gossip. When people gossip is is usually bad things about other people and they are looking for validation when guilty of causing hurt to other people.

My guess is they're insecure or want to fit in with a group or they just have a hatred of certain people.

To try and fit in and be the center of attention at times.

probably b/c their own lives are boring or they're insecure.

lets call a spade a spade, everyone gossips, some stronger and more confident individuals frown on it, but then they are gossiped about for not gossiping. hahaha, humans are pieces of crap, and remember everytime you open your pie whole about someone, someone is openning it about you. It would be a better world if people were happy and minded their own business, but the truth is most of us are miuserable and vent this misery on others. Pices of crap I tell you, if your life sucks go hang yourself its not like anyone would truly care

Gossip is a form of conversation that requires next to no thinking, next to no intellect, and next to no education. That is why gossip is the stuff of those who do not have a lot of stimulation in the world, or have allowed their minds to regress.

what i feel is those which like to gossip ecause they have no confidence in themself and feel jealousy all the time. and they feel better once they start to gossip they feel much better.