Spread goodwill, not gossip

Prof. AVR Rao elaborates on how gossiping can harm society and suggests ways of remedying this social sickness

- Prof. AVR Rao

Gossiping is the unhealthy habit of talking about the private lives of others, not merely as sharing some positive information, but in such a way that it results in harming their lives and robbing their peace of mind. In common parlance, a gossiper is also called a backbiter, tale-carrier, busybody, scandalmonger, quidnunc, blab, tattletale, tattler, or rumourmonger. Likewise, the gossip-listener is labelled as wet behind the ears or gullible. For these reasons, wise and good-natured people with a healthy mind do not indulge in gossip. Further, gossip does not spread in its original form, but gains tails, heads, colours, and shapes, transforming its original attire unbelievably.

The nature of a gossiper

A gossiper is like a double-edged sword; they harm both themself and others. While it spoils the dignity, credibility, honest reputation, and peace of mind of the victim, the gossiper themself will also eventually suffer the same fate owing to the pressure and influence of negative feelings that gossip generates. Gossipers have been in existence ever since the creation of a civilised society and will continue to flourish until its termination. Ancient epics, the Puranas, and fairy tales mention several gossipers who flourished, albeit temporarily, at the cost of others. The gossiper habitually spreads personal or sensational information about others, often baseless, untrue, and scandalous. Social media like WhatsApp, Facebook, forums for speeches, newspapers, and magazines enhance and strengthen the resources of the gossiper to spread their tales.

Examples of gossipers

A neighbour, a co-worker, a relative, or a friend who conveys to you wrong information about the character or conduct of another with the malicious intention of gaining an advantage for themself is an example of a gossiper.