Something You Should Know

SYSK TRENDING - Why Gossip Is Actually Good for You

September 29, 2026·24 min·4-min readnarrativescience
Podzilla Summary (4 min)
TLDR
Gossip is often seen as petty or malicious, but psychologist Frank McAndrew argues it is a fundamental, evolutionarily adaptive human behavior that helps build trust, enforce social norms, and navigate group dynamics. Far from being inherently negative, gossip serves essential functions i

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Guest

F

Frank McAndrew

narrative on Something You Should Know

Mentions

Books, people, and resources mentioned in this episode.

People

Frank McAndrewMike Carruthers

Topics

evolutionary psychology of gossipgossip as social bondingworkplace social dynamicsparasocial relationships with celebritiesethical gossip practices

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