What is toxic gossip?

When we gossip, we are fertilizing our minds with toxicity and judgment. We are much more likely to scrutinize ourselves when we are busy scrutinizing others. We are significantly more susceptible to self-centered fear and the obsession that others are going to gossip about us.

How do you deal with toxic gossip?

What exactly is considered gossip?

By definition (at least the definition social scientists who study gossip use), gossip is any talk about someone who isn't present, it's usually about something we can make a moral judgment about (meaning you tend to approve of the information or disapprove), and it's entertaining (meaning it doesn't feel like work to ...

What is negative gossip?

Negative gossip refers to informal communications with other members (i.e., the receiver) about a negative behavior or characteristics of a third party who is absent at work (Brady et al., 2017). A growing number of studies have suggested that negative gossip can have a detrimental effect on the targets.

Why is gossip toxic at work?

Some negative consequences of workplace gossip are: Erosion of trust and morale. Lost productivity and wasted time. Increased anxiety among employees as rumors circulate without clear information as to what is and isn't fact.

7 Reasons Why Gossip is Poison. And 3 Ways to Stop It.

What is the root cause of gossip?

The stories they tell are make-believe histrionics designed to grab attention and to set a team of people against another or others. The root cause of gossip is almost always, without fail, jealousy. The more successful you are, the more attractive, the more kind, the more self-assured, the more people will gossip.

What does gossip do to a person?

1 It also can lead to depression, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders, anxiety, and a host of other issues. Gossip and rumors can alienate friends, ruin reputations, and even lead to ostracizing behavior and other forms of relational aggression.

Is gossiping a mental illness?

So gossip isn't a problem – it's a symptom of a greater sickness. “We become purveyors of [gossip] when we feel we can't raise sensitive issues more directly,” said Grenny, “so we natter with neighbours rather than confronting offenders.”

How do I shut down gossip?

The harder, yet more effective way to stop gossip is this: When the person gossiping finishes their negative comments about another person, turn it around by saying something positive about the person. For example: "I know you think Sarah is pretty crazy, but I have to tell you she is an incredible parent.

What are gossip backbiting and slandering?

Gossip refers to idle talk or rumor, especially about personal or private affairs of others while slander refers to the act of spreading rumors or lies about a person to cause damage purposely. In fact, slander is a type of gossip; however, it is more damaging or harmful than gossip.

What is difference between gossip and talk?

Small talk is polite, impersonal conversation between people who don't know each other very well. Gossip: talking about other people, often bad things about them. Small talk: talking about unimportant things, such as the weather. Chat: talking with another person.

How do you recognize a gossip?

The Oxford dictionary definition of gossip is: Casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details which are not confirmed as true: chiefly derogatory; a person who likes talking about other people's private lives.

How do you know if you are gossiping?

Is spreading gossip harassment?

Spread Lies Or Gossip About The Victim On Social Media

Much like rumors and gossip face to face is considered to be harassment, it is also the same online, even on social media.

What are some examples of gossip?

Passing on personal details about a neighbor to another neighbor is an example of gossip. The definition of a gossip is someone who reveals personal information about others. A friend who passes on the secrets of other friends, but asks you not to tell is an example of a gossip.

Why do people gossip?

People also like to gossip because it gives them a sense that they possess secret information about another person, which gives them a sense of power. People want to be seen as being in the know when it comes to the latest gossip about others. If knowledge is power, gossip is turbocharged power.

What do you call a person who spreads gossip?

Definitions of gossiper. a person given to gossiping and divulging personal information about others. synonyms: gossip, gossipmonger, newsmonger, rumormonger, rumourmonger.

What do you say to someone who talks behind your back?

Though you may be tempted to act out or confront the person, sometimes the best response is to ignore gossip. Just think: the person didn't give you the consideration of saying what they said to your face. Don't give them the consideration of taking it any further. Stop the negativity train by completely ignoring it.

How do you tell someone to stop gossiping?

Just say no.

Try changing the subject when a friend wants to have a bad-mouthing session. Ask them (tactfully) to talk about something else, and tell them that you're trying to break yourself of the negative gossip habit. You'll find that many people will actually thank you.

Why people talk behind your back?

When someone talks about you behind your back they're often looking for acceptance, as an attempt to fit in. Most people enjoy the hearing part of gossip even though they may not participate in the active speaking part.

Is gossiping an addiction?

“Gossip is like any other addiction – it is a way of avoiding responsibility for your feelings, and can be used by the wounded self as a way to connects with others.

Why do insecure people gossip?

A secure person is not threatened by silence and doesn't mind actively listening to others instead. The gossip is also indicating insecurity: a secure person doesn't feel the need to spread rumours for attention or to backstab someone, and would rather spend their energies on something positive and uplifting.

Is gossip morally wrong?

It is therefore a relief to point out that Peters and Kashima (2014) have found that, despite the widespread notion that gossip is always morally wrong, gossiping is often perceived as a moral act, and that gossipers who share highly diagnostic morality information are perceived as especially moral individuals.

Should you confront a gossiper?

The best approach is to openly say that you have heard the gossip. If the gossip is about someone else, announce that you have been hearing a lot of gossip about that person at the workplace. Letting the gossipers know you are on to them can stifle the rumors.

Why do old ladies gossip?

Social Links for Hannah Sparks

A not-so-“fetch” study out of Florida State University found that adult women tend to gossip about other women — consciously and unconsciously — to make themselves look better by comparison.