America just seems to love gossip. But why? What is it about juicy gossip that America loves so much? Why do we buy so many celebrity magazine subscriptions so we can know every detail in regard to the children of Brad and Angelina? Why do we thirst for more magazine stories about Britney’s latest adventures?
While celebrities are not always a physical part of people in America, they frequently are seen and recognized through magazines. Many people in America can relate to the celebrities they read about in magazines and consider them to be a part of their society. Thus, the love and interest surrounding celebrity gossip in America is somewhat similar to gossip among close-knit social groups.
Is this love for gossip in America sheer curiosity or is it more? According to a 2005 America Psychological Association (APA) analysis, there could be several reasons to love gossip in America. In a 2006 Monitor on Psychology analysis (also from the APA), gossip is further explored. The combination of both references appears to suggest a deeper need for and meaning behind the love of gossip in America.
In ancient times, it was necessary to study and observe the habits of friends, as well as enemies. This enabled people to gain the trust of others, thereby granting them certain positions in society or gaining friends or romantic partners. Knowing gossip about others was how trust, love and admiration was gained in early society.
But, how does that play a role in today’s society where technology can do the talking? It all boils down to natural human instinct. It is natural to have the same tendencies as ancestors, even the love for gossip, so seemingly deep-rooted in America.
In ancient times, the fact that sacred information could be trusted to another was one way of showing trust and love. This aspect of gossip could still hold true today. Sharing confidential information with another lets that person know you believe them worthy of keeping a secret, which builds trust. In order to get people to trust individuals, it is sometimes necessary to gain that trust by sharing information that would not normally be shared.
Another aspect of the love for gossip in America is the fact that talking is something most people enjoy doing a great deal of. When there aren’t things left to talk about in someone’s own life, they may revert to talking about the lives of others just to have something to say. Seemingly, it makes people feel important to have something to say. It also might make them seem more interesting and worthy of conversation by others.
Apparently, if people in America don’t have something interesting to say about their social or love lives or someone else’s, which they often acquire from magazines, many people will shy away from them or exclude them from the social atmosphere. However, the more information they have to discuss, the more interested people will become in them.
In conclusion, for a variety of reasons, it seems the love for gossip in America naturally flows, just as a stream flows to a river and the river to the ocean. Gossip can be a self-motivator, a trust earner, a love magnet and even a hobby. Now that you know some of the history and reasoning behind gossip, go ahead and enjoy all those magazine subscriptions and remember that it’s natural to love gossip in America.
Sources:
American Psychological Association (APA)
http://www.apa.org/science/psa/apr05gossip.html
http://www.apa.org/monitor/apr06/bonding.html
