A new study confirms that talking about others behind their back may not be such a bad thing. Janet Baierman, a social psychologist from Los Angeles, explains that "gossip can serve as a form of emotional release or organization." If a person feels unjustly wronged or marginalized due to some problem, discussing it with someone else can help them process what is happening and express their anger.
A clinical psychology specialist from California, Brian Licona, adds that gossip can be helpful by providing "a safe space for conversations and communication." He says, "If someone feels loneliness, sadness, rejection, or harsh treatment, discussing it with others can create a sense of solidarity that can help soften some of those feelings."
That said, despite the potential psychological benefits, gossip can sometimes have negative consequences, Licona adds. People may lose trust in those who gossip about them, assuming that if a person talks about others, they are more likely to do the same about them.
Moreover, gossip can evoke feelings of anger and irritation in a person, which may lead to their isolation from others. For children and teenagers, gossip can become a form of manipulation, especially if information is false and directed at harming another child or teenager.
