Question 1
The function of gossip is to build strong bonds between individuals (Wert and Salovey 123). Individuals can share ideas, opinions, and emotions by finding common grounds that unite them. These points of convergence, whether positive or negative, unifies them in long-term friendships or a temporary association. Gossip also facilitates social comparisons that can either build up or tear down an individual. By comparing themselves with others, people gain insights into the validity of their opinions and beliefs, hence the description of gossip as “self-evaluative” (Wert and Salovey 123). Self-evaluation creates an avenue for identifying the shortfalls in one’s ...
