Psst! The Inside Scoop On How Gossip Affects Your Brain

Shh! You see a group of students huddled together in a corner with their heads bent together. Their eyes dart around to make sure no one is listening as they exchange glances and move their lips in rapid whispers. One smirks, raising their eyebrow, and another gasps, covering their mouth with a hand. Gossip did not always have the negative connotation that it has today. After researching different ways cavemen would adapt to their environments, scientists found that cavemen ancestors in different groups had to cooperate with each other in order to maximize their survival. In prehistoric times, cavemen who were aware of the power dynamics, relationships, and resources around them were found to thrive in their environment compared to those who were not as aware. Essentially, those who had an interest in other peoples’ lives were often much more successful, making human beings today hardwired to be fascinated by gossip.

Most researchers define gossip to be both the discussion of a subject that isn’t present in the moment and the sharing of information that isn’t commonly known. Gossip can have both negative and positive implications in social settings. The University of Pavia concluded from a study that a biochemical known as oxytocin is released after gossip amongst groups of women. This chemical is also often known as the “cuddle chemical,” as it engenders feelings of trust, friendship, and love between people. In addition, it appears to reduce stress and anxiety, making it vital in adjusting to emotive situations.

However, simultaneously, being involved in gossip and drama makes it difficult for the brain to focus and decreases its impulse control. Talking negatively about other people and being involved in drama increases activity in the amygdala, an area in the brain that is closely linked to the prefrontal cortex and is associated with fear, anxiety, and negative emotional states. These parts of the brain that are responsible for a majority of a human’s emotions and reactions, but the two process information very differently.

The prefrontal cortex thinks slowly and carefully, operating with consciousness and processing information with care. It’s capable of analytical and complex understanding, thinking things through with reason before reacting. On the other hand, the amygdala reacts impulsively and extremely quickly, operating unconsciously. The amygdala triggers the “fight-or-flight” response in the scenario that a person feels threatened. It’s a survival mechanism that prepares the body to either confront the threat (fight) or flee from it (flight). However, heightened emotional arousal, such as that experienced during gossip and drama, can override the prefrontal cortex's cognitive functions. This is known as “amygdala hijack,” where intense emotions from the amygdala suppress the more rational prefrontal cortex. During an amygdala hijack, stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline flood the brain, preparing the body for a quick reaction but impairing logical thinking and impulse control. Repeated episodes of such can lead to long-term stress and potential damage to the prefrontal cortex. This occurs due to the prefrontal cortex’s heightened sensitivity to stress hormones, which can result in impaired cognitive functions like decision-making and emotional regulation. While the amygdala is also affected by stress hormones, its heightened activity serves as an adaptive function in immediate threat detection, making it less likely to experience damage.

When the amygdala is highly active it tends to override the prefrontal cortex’s ability to help you focus and think logically, which is partly why it’s so difficult to be both logical and emotional at the same time. Engaging in gossip and drama perpetuates a cycle of negative emotions and impulsive reactions making it challenging to maintain clarity and emotional stability. 

Conversely, thinking positively and expressing gratitude can strengthen the prefrontal cortex, improving focus and impulse control. A positive shift from negative to positive thinking reinforced neural pathways associated with heightened attention, leading to improved concentration levels. By fostering positive thoughts, individuals can enhance their cognitive functions, maintaining a better balance between emotional and rational brain processes, and ultimately improving their decision-making abilities. 

Despite its potential negative impacts, gossip remains a powerful social tool due to the fundamental importance of communication and social interaction in human society. When used positively, it can reinforce social norms, strengthen group cohesion, and foster community. Understanding the dual nature of gossip is crucial in order to harness its social benefits while mitigating its potential harms.