A new study has shown that gossiping about others boosts self-steem

A new study has shown that gossiping about others could actually boost ones self esteem, as it allows for comparing ourselves to other people. According to the group of Dutch researchers, hearing both positive and negative things about other people boosts self-reflection and self-evaluation. The group said:

'Women who receive negative gossip experience higher self-protection concerns possibly because they believe they might experience a similar fate as the person being the target of the gossip. Men who receive positive gossip experience higher fear, perhaps because upward social comparisons with competitors are threatening.'

The study also added that hearing about others provides one with a direct social comparison reflection, and is essential resource for self-reflection behavior. She suggested that rather than trying to block out gossip, we should 'accept gossip as a natural part of our lives and receive it with a critical attitude regarding the consequences it may have on ourselves and on others.'

Do you agree with the study?