A Clinical Psychologist Explains Why Gossip Is Not Always Harmful

September 26, 2026 - 15:04

Clinical psychologist Niamh Delmar has shared her perspective on the role that gossip plays in everyday life, challenging the common assumption that talking about other people is always a negative habit. According to Delmar, gossip is a deeply ingrained social behavior that serves several important functions, and understanding those functions can help people use it more wisely.

She explains that gossip often acts as a form of social bonding. When people share information about others, they build trust and reinforce shared values within a group. It can also serve as a way to learn unwritten social rules, helping individuals understand what behavior is accepted and what is not. In some cases, gossip functions as a warning system, alerting people to potential risks or untrustworthy individuals.

However, Delmar notes that gossip becomes harmful when it turns into rumor spreading, deliberate shaming, or repeated speculation about someone's private life. This kind of talk can damage reputations, fuel anxiety, and create a hostile environment. She suggests that people pause before speaking and ask themselves whether the information is true, whether it is kind, and whether it is necessary to share.

Delmar also points out that gossip can reveal more about the speaker than the subject. Frequent negative talk about others may signal insecurity, jealousy, or a need for attention. She encourages people to notice their own patterns and to steer conversations toward support rather than judgment.

The takeaway, according to Delmar, is not to eliminate gossip entirely but to recognize its power. Used thoughtfully, it can strengthen relationships and social awareness. Used carelessly, it can cause real harm.