Gossip is often understood as maliciously spreading information about other people, and a highly attractive part of celebrity culture. But social scientists beg to differ.
As it turns out, humans are actually hardwired to pay attention to, and participate in, gossip. And let's face it: whether it's by the water cooler at work or at family gatherings, we love to talk about people. But this tendency is actually an evolutionary adaptation. Don't get ahead of yourself, however, as there's a right and wrong way to spill the tea.
Check out this gallery to see how gossip began, evolved, became necessary, became dangerous, and some general guidelines to make sure you're doing it right.