Gossip—it's the guilty pleasure we all indulge in, yet rarely admit to loving. But what if we’ve been thinking about it all wrong? In this New Yorker piece, Alexandra Schwartz explores journalist and podcast host Kelsey McKinney’s mission to rehabilitate gossip’s bad reputation. McKinney argues that gossip isn’t just idle chitchat—it can be an essential social tool. It entertains, sustains, and even serves as a check on power, fostering community and keeping us curious about the people around us. But as Schwartz asks, what about those who are gossiped about? Gossip can be a force for good, but it can also enforce social norms in ways that aren’t always fair. Think high school drama, faux pas policing, and whispered reputations. Is it a necessary evil or a feature of human connection? Let’s break it down!

Key Takeaways:

• Gossip as Social Glue – McKinney argues that gossip helps us bond and stay informed, calling it “intimacy’s glue.”
• Beyond Scandal – While gossip often focuses on scandal, it can also serve as a way to hold powerful people accountable.
• A Double-Edged Sword – Gossip can subvert and challenge harmful norms, but it can also reinforce them—think high school cliques and workplace rumors.
• Moral Gray Area – Not all gossip is malicious, but when does it cross the line? The article raises thought-provoking questions about ethical boundaries.
• A Cultural Shift? – With podcasts and social media giving gossip a new platform, is the stigma around it changing?

So, is gossip a necessary evil, a fundamental part of human nature, or something we should try to rise above? Whichever side you're on, one thing is certain: we’ll all keep talking.
Link to Article