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Addicted to Celebrity GossipWhy We’re Obsessed with the Lives of the Rich and Famous
Gossip, whether it's indulging in the latest celebrity gossip or dishing on your coworkers, has a biological basis. Here's why we're addicted to celebrity gossip.
Over 90% of celebrity magazine readers are women; 60 million women buy celebrity magazines every week. They’re addicted to celebrity gossip – and these biological, social, and evolutionary reasons explain why. Addicted to Celebrity Gossip: The Biological BasisCelebrity gossip literally makes people feel good. Dr Charlotte De Backer is an evolutionary psychologist who studies why people become addicted to celebrity gossip. In researching the science of why they're hooked on the tabloids, she found that celebrity gossip lights up readers' brain cells in positive ways. In her PhD thesis about celebrity gossip, Dr Charlotte De Backer wrote, “It is widely known for humans that chocolate stimulates the release of endorphins, and therefore eating chocolate stimulates feelings of happiness. Gossip is [also] an instant stimulator of endorphins.” (From “Enquiring Minds Need to Know”, Chatelaine magazine, August 2007). People are addicted to celebrity gossip because it makes them feel good. Many people have stressful, busy lives; knowing the latest celebrity news or Hollywood gossip gives them a pleasurable rush. It may also be physically healthier than binging on cookies and ice cream, or drinking a bottle of wine. Addicted to Celebrity Gossip: The Social ReasonsPeople are also addicted to celebrity gossip because it’s safer than office gossip. They can spread rumors, give opinions, and spend hours speculating about the lives of the rich and famous because they don’t know them – and their words can’t come back to haunt them. In contrast, if people indulge in office gossip and their supervisor finds out, their livelihood and professional reputation could be at stake. They’re addicted to celebrity gossip because it’s easy. Telling secrets and talking intimately is not only fun, it builds stronger connections between women. Friendships often include spicy rumors and speculations about the people they know, which can be even more delicious than celebrity gossip or celebrity magazines because of the elements of danger and secrecy. Addicted to Celebrity Gossip: An Evolutionary ExplanationIn cavewomen times, gossiping about friends, family and neighbors helped ensure survival. If women kept up with the affairs of others – and this was before Hollywood gossip or celebrity news – they had a better chance of living longer and healthier lives. Women who were better at gossiping were better at surviving. Being addicted to celebrity gossip doesn’t ensure people live healthy lives these days, but it may be a less fattening, less abusive way to feel good about their own lives. If you found Addicted to Celebrity Gossip interesting, you might enjoy:
The copyright of the article Addicted to Celebrity Gossip in Psychology is owned by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen. Permission to republish Addicted to Celebrity Gossip in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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