Prosocial Gossip

What it is

Matthew Feinberg, Robb Willer and colleagues found that people who saw someone act selfishly felt uneasy and wanted to warn others who might be exploited, and that passing on the warning eased the feeling. People with stronger prosocial leanings were the most willing to share it. In group games, the chance to gossip and to leave selfish players out raised cooperation.

In effect

In the article on why we gossip, it is the case for gossip as a way groups protect cooperation, not only as idle talk.

What it does not say

It covers sharing accurate information about conduct that affects others. It does not say all gossip is helpful, and it does not cover rumour or talk meant to harm.

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