Certainly there is a social function to gossip. To spread useful information about the legitimacy or trustworthiness of a person.
However it seems in modern times, we love to gossip about others as a form of self entertainment, sport, or fun. Why? Some thoughts:
1. The joy of feeling superior to someone?
I cannot speak for you but when I personally gossip about others it is because I deem my actions, thoughts and moral philosophies as above them. Therefore when I gossip about others, I am trying to exert my superiority over them (behind their back).
2. The difficulty of NOT gossiping or talking about others
My challenge to myself:
Go a year without speaking gossip about anyone else besides myself.
Or better yet … never talk about nobody else but myself.
A thing I notice with myself:
I always talk about myself in comparison to others.
For example instead of stating what I think or what I am or what I think, I always gotta mention others, and “throw shade” (talk smack) about others.
Thus my thought:
It takes more skill and courage to talk about yourself NOT having to put others down.
3. Is it human nature to talk shit?
I believe so. To talk smack is probably natural. And some of it is socialized. I know that Americans (and also Koreans) looooove to talk smack about one another. It is our social entertainment. But I wonder —
Is it a good idea to try to override this human nature, and dictate and determine for ourselves to NOT talk shit about others?
Then even a more interesting philosophical thought:
Do we believe it to be our moralistic and ethical duty to talk smack about others?
4. Is it sinful or evil to only talk about yourself, or to only espouse your own personal beliefs?
My new breakthrough:
In modern times, we are not allowed to share our personal belief or opinion without referring to others or quoting others.
In other words:
You’re not allowed to quote yourself.