The Influences of Gossip in the Filipino Culture

Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

A. Background of the Study

          Gossip is such a delicate thing to study about. Gossip helps people to live or somehow learn about how to live and survive in a cultural society. This system of communication likely follows a structure which is, of course, a narrative and descriptive form. One describes about a person who suffers in shame by violating rules and regulations. For instance, a person you do not know personally but you feel that he/she is an enemy has done morally wrong. You started to gossip about him/her and in this way, you treat him/her as an enemy of yours. The first thing that we came into our mind is to fit in a group or simply in a society where belong to feel safe and also play safe. If you do not want to talk about, you have to do the other way around. In fact, there are some who are fond of doing it. In addition, gossip is contemplated as a learning through observations. It allows an individual to learn from the triumphs and sometimes, the misadventures of others beyond a perceptual sphere. This perspective helps to further explain some empirical findings about gossip and that people seldom gossip about strangers and is not always belittling.

(http://www.carlsonschool.umn.edu/Assets/71514.pdf)

            Gossip became a habit or routine activity of early adolescence in some cultures. For almost all of adults, it is a common speech activity in informal gatherings or simply in a group. During an informal interaction, it is likely to occur that they gossip about others on a regular basis and seems to be familiar with it. Moreover, sociologists, researches and anthropologists came up to study about the nature of gossip and in order for it to be a successful one, they have undergone many attempts. Those people define gossip as simply an exchange of pieces of information or an unceremonious talk about someone who is not present including rumors and slander (false statement damaging one's reputation). As studied by researches, gossip serves as the key in strengthening group bonds (Gluckman 1963, Haviland 1977, Gilmore 1978, Almirol 1981). Others have evaluated gossip as a means of projecting a positive self-image  of the one who loves gossiping by underestimating and discrediting others. Still others have inferred that gossip fosters bonding and positive self-image simultaneously.

(http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2096270?uid=2&uid=4&sid=21102949926377)

            Gossip occurs in every society. Gossip is ubiquitous in one's everyday life. Furthermore, it is a habit-forming to someone if one indulges in that kind of speech activity. One might decide to stop in indulging in this kind of activity, but the fact is that it cannot. As a matter of fact, one cannot turn it of or put it out. Since gossip has an immense part in our communicative behavior, it is laborious to deter this stuff (Goldsmith and Baxter, 1996; Dunbar, 1998). Meanwhile, Donald Brown (1991), a sociologist, registered gossip as a Human Universal, a human attribute that is evident in every culture around the globe. Despite of the fact that gossip is prevalent, this does not reflect in the field of science. Researches, however, about gossip is insufficient and scarce. At first, research about gossip thrived for a short span of time. Gilmore (1978), an American sociologist, clasified gossip according to its different uses in a Spanish rural community. The problem is that his own clasifications are only applicable in that cultural setting but are not pertinent and cannot be apllied across the other culture. Second, the studies about gossip are only focused to the proximate explanations which are related to human trait. These studies are mostly gone so far. So far, no one has ever tried to come up with a classification system of gossip that can be applied to any culture. Moreover, what is lacking in the research about gossip is synthetic theory. It is the combination of knowledge of the social sciences and the knowledge of psychology to explain in a concrete way how gossip operates, why it merged and why is it still functions in our daily lives.

(http://www.ethesis.net/gossip/gossip_conclusion.htm)

            In the Philippines, everybody classified gossip as morally wrong and bad activity that others are fond of doing it. In spite of the negative judgments gossip entails, there are still positive ones. Some may defend that gossip strengthens one's kinship just like the aforementioned research or statement from prominent sociologists. It is not always the bad side which is conspicuous but also its positive side. We based our judgments with the definition of gossip itself. Moreover, one has to take into consideration both good and bad impact of gossip in person and how it affects the society where we belong and the culture where we used to adapt.

        Other than the basis for some that the definition tells us what gossip really means, some are still after what it brings to someone, the impact and its influences.  Many individuals are victim of gossip which is an act of bullying if you start to spread slanders to those you know until the person being discussed know these things.    In terms of psychology, he traditional and prevailing view of gossip is still in an indirect form of aggression. Our impression is that it is a malicious desire to hurt and harm others by spreading rumors.

        We have to concede that there is a truth behind that point of view and sometimes have done it to others. People may seek to harm someone by disseminating information  that makes him/her look bad, hence, encouraging people to hold on and believe a poor opinion of that certain person. The influences of gossip vary before, during and after the act of gosiping. Therefore, further studying of gossips and having knowledge in gossip will add to a person's comprehension what are the influences of gossip in every culture.

Since there have been a numerous studies about gossip, these foreign findings  should be also be tried locally to prove its lucidness as a consideration on the differences of cultures. In lieu of dealing with dull researches about where gossip started and how it prospered in different cultures, this research paper focuses on the good and bad influences of gossip in the Filipino culture.

B. Statement of the Problem

     This study aims to answer this question:

    1. What are the good and bad influences of gossip in the Filipino culture?

C. Significance of the Study

Employees and Bosses. The prior knowledge of this study would surely help the employees ad bosses here in the country since a discrete type of gossip is prevalent in each and every organization. In this case, they could make use of the information written in the research paper and how to cope with the grapevine, the informal communication system in an organization which is considered also a type of gossip, and manage it in the workplace. Moreover, the way they act and work would be somehow different unlike before where  they do not know yet the influences of gossip ad how it affects everyone.

Students. This research paper is made of diverse pieces of information that would benefit students from elementary, high school and even in college who always engage in the act of gossiping. As they read this paper, they could acquire knowledge and take into consideration the different things when they, again, engage or get into a group who are fond of gossiping. Furthermore, the influences of gossip would affect their respective decisions if they find themselves in a situation where some of their friends are encouraging them to have time with them to talk about absurd, sometimes upright things about others. 

Family Members. It is not only the students, employees and bosses are caught in the act of gossiping about other’s personal lives but also the members in the family tree. In fact, the type of gossip that exists among the families is what we called the destructive gossip. From the word itself, it depicts a devastating thing and ca be caused of the separation of the family. Besides, it can even break an everlasting relationship. So, in this study, it would be a great help for them how to manage or put out the raging fire if gossip prevails. When there comes a time if this will happen, it will not be difficult and not cause trouble anymore. Lastly, they would be aware of the influences of such a destructive gossip in a family relationship.

Future Researches. Unquestionably, studying different things is a life-long journey. This is definitely not the end of how gossip influences each and everyone in the entire world most especially the Filipinos. Of course, different studies will be conducted in the near future. Different information will accumulate from the future researches. In addition, this research paper will serve as a valuable reference and a source of esteemed data. As time passed by, studies that have amass would be a great help on how to distinguish gossip and its different kinds in the Filipino culture, not only that particular thing but also its major influences to everybody.

D. Scope and Delimitation

            This research paper focuses on the good and bad influences of gossip in the Filipino culture. Gossip is an inevitable thing an individual usually does everyday. Almost everybody focuses on the bad influences of gossip since in general, gossip is stereotyped as a sin and gossip is always around with us. Perhaps, it is impossible to deter gossip simply because it is the Filipino’s nature and our national past time. However, this study is not going to discuss about the things how to stop gossip but this study limits its coverage on the different influences of gossip mostly to the Filipinos.

        At this point of time, gossip is still everywhere. Once you look to the left and to the right, everybody is gossiping. Nevertheless, it has been an acceptable act to everybody. But do they know it is not only the end of that thing where they talk and chat? Certainly, it is a chain-like process. Everyone is affected from very first start up to the end of everything. Friends, classmates and even celebrities had experience a major impact with regards the things that others tell to anyone. 

E. Materials and Methods

            Gossip is not anymore a waste of time for others because it is now part of Filipino culture. As you notice, everybody enjoys gossiping but some do not totally love it. It seems like it is a form of entertainment these days. Some persons are fond of making fun of others. And honestly, there is nothing new about that thing since it started even the medieval period. Another thing, gossip is also considered a system of communication all over the world. Gossip is such an enormous matter. Furthermore, the way this study is going to present pieces of information is through a descriptive method. This type of method is pretty applicable with the aforementioned research. In this research paper, it aims to describe and of course, discuss the influences of gossip which are hot issue nowadays. The method used is described as the inclusion of case studies, observations and surveys. In addition, it is used to test, evaluate and develop the entire research. It explores the real-life situations that are also happening in the present times and indeed, a phenomenon. Furthermore, the trend of gossip in Filipino culture is slightly discernible since it affects a multitude of things in our country mostly an individual’s behavior.

        Besides, the information presented in this research paper is pertinent to the facts. The sources used in the research are coming from a vast pile of articles both in the books and internet. Moreover, the analyzing process of the data is based on these five things: through predictions, establishing connection, localizing information, evaluating information and common misconception in a certain stuff. This study only focuses on only one or two thing which is establishing connection and localizing information. In the very first place, almost everybody will relate the whole topic being discussed in this research paper. With this way, it would be able to establish connection among others and it also imparts information to them. The observations are indeed significant and let us not go far beyond our own country. Philippines is definitely a hot spot of gossipers that’s why the information presented has been restricted and confined on a small area. 

F. Definition of Terms

Influence. The effect of something or the aptitude to have an impact to one’s character, behavior and development of someone or something.

Gossip. Refers to idle talk, chat and rumor about private affairs of others.

Gosssiper. One who habitually reveals personal and sensational facts in the absence of person being discussed.

Gossiping. Being engaged in gossip.

Grapevine. The unofficial and informal system of communication in an organization.

Provenance. The earliest history and origin of something.

Chapter 2

DISCUSSION

What are the good and bad influences of gossip in the Filipino culture?

A. Definition, History and All about Gossip

Idle/Chatty talk among friends

        In Old English, the word gossip is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word godsibb (god-sibb). It is originally meant to a person related to a God. The “god” in godsibb pertains to “God” and the “sibb” pertains to “a relation”. Gossip has something to do with a person being bound to another individual by religious ceremony or a religious sponsor. According to its original meaning, a sponsor in baptism would refer to what we called gossip. Furthermore, gossip is somehow related to a woman’s close female friends at the baptism or simply at the birth of a child. A woman would choose to be a grandparent of a child, if she likes. As time passed by, the word later mean as a close companion or friends having a kind of talk which is characterized as chatty talk or idle talk. The meaning of the gossip in the first place is now obsolete. Some likes what it meant in the first place a lot better than what is its meaning over a period of time. It became a talk about others, sharing of one’s secrets and even the single details of personal matters and relationships. According to the dictionary, by Merriam-Webster, gossip is defined as “casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details which are not confirmed as true.”

        Gossip is not always pertaining to one’s behavior or behavioral aspect of an individual but also to the perspective of gender or the male and female aspects. Gossip helps the woman by empowering them since in the ancient time they were trounced by patriarchal system.  

Entails evaluation

Different people engaged in gossip, in this act, it is evaluated as an informal talk just like the other types. Gossip is difficult to distinguish most especially in the workplace. It is a chatty conversation and considered as informal. Gossip has been defined as “evaluative talk about a person who is not present or being absent while others are discussing about him/her” (Eder & Enke, 1991) and less narrow, more precise and more accurate, as “the method of communicating informally about members and different individuals in a social setting with such value-laden information” (Noon & Delbridge, 1993).

These definitions coming from different researches is not only about criticizing or denouncing others. According to some studies, bad or negative evaluations account for only 5% of time when others gossip. The other 5% refers to some pieces of advice on how to handle social situations specifically in gossip. But the majority of the conversations, it focuses with the personal social experiences and involvement of distinct people.

Assessments are often positive: one may express his/her approval of someone’s choice like jobs, car, holiday, shoes and even a lover. The bottom line about gossip is more than the sharing of information about other’s personal lives and relationships and dragging down their reputations. It usually involves the feelings, expressions and opinions about this information. One’s opinion and feelings may be ambiguous, rather than directly stated.

Can be about someone else as well as the others

        Even though many people would agree with the aforementioned first two definitions, the second one may be good in terms of helping others. It may be helpful and often accurate in numerous ways. It conveys and put into words the nature of gossip being informal and idle. It also indicates the form of conversations other than talk: emails, text messages and letters. Even the range of people is specified about whom information can be communicated – together with those people who actually engaged in gossiping.

        To be honest, it is not inevitable that gossip is also the discussion about the happenings of third parties.  With some researches about this topic and in some groups, there is a general assumption about one’s own doings or to those one that is communicating with – counted as gossip. Gossip has been “socially interesting” pieces of information. To be interesting in social setting, gossiping about others is, of course, likely to involve some information about the third parties, but it must also include participants as the subjects.

Can be also about our favorite celebrities

        The definition coming from Noon and Delbridge seems to exclude one reasonably important type of gossip which is about the celebrities and public figures, unless if the “members of social setting” is anticipated to include or involve action stars, politicians, film stars, pop stars, etc., which seems to be implausible. There were so many interesting features about celebrity gossip. When we gossip about celebrities, we treat them as if they are members of the social group. We tend to talk a lot about their life which became public from being private, that’s the only problem of being a celebrity. You cannot anymore hide your true identity because some still hates you and might want to bring you down. Meanwhile, our conversations about the problems or conflicts in the relationship in the soap operas like the marriage, babies and sometimes, careers of film and pop stars are vague or let’s say indistinguishable from our gossip with friends, neighbors, classmates and anyone else. Overhearing such dialogues and discussions in a bus or even in public utility vehicles about someone who is not familiar with the names of the celebrity could easily be concluded.

Most conversation is “gossip”

        Everybody gossips a lot and this gossip is dedicated to a more complex language in the nature of human. According a recent research, two-thirds of our conversation time is allocated in discussing social topics; there are some discussions about personal experiences and relationships. There are some questions like, “who is in?” and “who is out?” and “why is that so?”, dealing with these social situations is indeed difficult. Moreover, the discussions of behavioral aspects of friends, family, celebrities, and even problems with neighbors, lovers, colleagues, peers are devoted to a word called “gossip”.

        Across a wide range of social settings, ages, social backgrounds and culture, these certain findings have been constantly repeated. Here in the Philippines, all the aforementioned details are really relatable and significant in every Filipino’s lives. Furthermore, even in colleges and universities, multinational companies, an individual might expect many conversations in one common room or restaurants while having their lunch. Gossip is the only subject and no more, no less can consume the 10% of the total conversation time and for the serious topics like the matters of business issues are only devoted for about 2% or 3% of the total conversation time.

Men gossip as much as women

        In the Philippines, almost everyone concluded that it is the woman who gossips more but more surprising than that is that men gossip as much as woman. Here we are again with the researches; it found that there are little difference between the men and women in terms of their total conversation time. In one finding, they allocated a certain amount of conversation time to discuss social topics such as things just like what we said, relationships and conflicts. Another study found out that woman accounts 65% of their conversation time whereas the men account 55% of their time while discussing these topics. For men, they are definitely found to be no more likely to talk “important” subjects such as work, politics than women. On the other hand, women gossip to impress others and these things will certainly go to the side of men where they talk too much about themselves. In terms of subject, one significant difference between the two sexes is that “men spend much more time talking about themselves”. In terms of talking their own relationships, men spend talking for about 2/3 of their conversation time compare to the 1/3 of the women’s time talking about themselves. These assured findings are enough to conclude that it is a myth that men spend their time talking and solving the world’s problems. But still there are some who believe and do not believe about this.

B. Factors Affecting How Gossip is Received 

          Gossip is classified as a type of informal communication and intended to protect others and to bring down others. Of course, it can be used for good and bad and for both. To clarify things, it is not inherited. Nevertheless, one should not take it lightly most especially the negative type of gossip. Gossip is considered a form of art when you have successfully ensured it. But forlornly, nobody manages it, to gossip, without even damaging the relationship of others, their reputation and their own influence. Simply because there are some factors affecting how gossip should be received:

Relationship to the gossipers

        If an individual tend to talk or gossip with a stranger, then probably, he/she will not likely to believe what they say. Think of it, we trust, believe and more like with the opinions our friends and family say to us simply because we value each of them. Of course, there's always an exception, if the stranger is an expert in terms of that kind of act, one might believe him/her with what they say or gossip about.

Type of Gossip

        In everything, there is always a side of good and a side of bad. Just like in gossip, there is such thing as positive gossip as well as negative gossip. Which one do you like, the positive or the negative one? Of course, everyone would say the positive one because if the gossip is positive, one is likely to agree with the gossiper. But if it's negative gossip, the perception would be undesirable in nature since it only worsen the social situation.

History of Gossip

          Does an individual has a history of making false statement, speculations about others? If yes and if they really have, it is safe to say that they are just expressing their own opinions and should not be taken as a big deal. Just think of it as a grain of salt, opinions coming from others for the improvement of oneself. In the addition, expert gossiper gossips for the sake of gossiping. If you do not want to be talked about by others, they are more likely to engage in gossiping. On contrary, if one does not gossip, the perception of him/her is to say right things all the way, due to the concept of behavioral aspect.

                Except of the factors affecting gossip, one must remember about gossip is that the serial gossiper loses his/her credibility, integrity and reliability whenever he/she gossips. These things will likely and automatically go down. In conclusion, to make it simple, the gossiper is still the one who always looks bad and ending up as the antagonist rather than the individual they are talking about. Moreover, being diplomatic is always desirable and can be used as a social tool to communicate with others, share ideas and thoughts and most especially to build and earn someone’s trust.

C. Types of Gossip

                Gossip is like an ice cream, we do not scream for it but we simply crave for it. As a matter of fact, one cannot even resist it. He/she keeps on pushing through with what they want. It is ridiculous that we get an abrupt appetite to know what we do not know about others. Gossip also available and comes in many flavors. Here are the lists of some flavors of gossip:

Slander

          It is simply defined as the rumors being spread or lies about the person that causes damage intentionally. When the slander is in written form, it is called “libel”. In addition, an individual wants to see the person he is gossiping about to be humiliated and shamed and turn others against him or her. In the Philippines, the word “slander” is not prominent and if you spread lies or false spoken statement, it all falls in one word called gossip. Filipinos do not care if what type of gossip they used to do but one thing is only sure that they somebody to feel down, feel shamed and feel embarrassed.

        Furthermore, some says that the word “slander” is associated with the adults only but it also applies to young people as well. In fact, slander is the most dangerous types of rumors because the whole point of someone else is to hurt others’ feelings physically, mentally and spiritually.

Dishing

          As far as people are concerned, dishing is another word for gossiping. So to those people who keep on asking what the other term of gossiping is, here is the answer to your question, some may hear other people say, “Give me the dish!” or “Let’s dish the dirt!”. It is a kind of spreading rumors and gossip generally. Dishing is an act where people do not usually think twice to do it. Without a doubt, they do it without other’s consent.

        Moreover, “Dishing the dirt” means sharing juicy information about someone. The intention of the gossiper in dishing the dirt is not to really cause damage but to keep the gossip alive. If the gossip about that particular person eventually stops, it makes them feel so weak and bored. That’s why they continue to spread and put a smear on the image of the person gossiping about. To make it clear, it is slightly different compare to slander because dishing the dirt most likely not to cause someone pain, grief, hurt and humiliation. Nevertheless, it just means like that occasionally.  

Rumors

        Rumor is a kind of gossip where you hear something and it is not good and it is not confirmed true as well, but you tell someone just like your friends, colleagues and families about what you hear. It does not end only there because you tend to ask someone to get more information about the subject you heard.       

Backbiting

                Backbiting is a flavor of gossip and it basically involves the speaking and talking malicious and unpleasant words about another person who is not present and of course, can do nothing to defend himself or herself. It is definitely private and secretive.

Not-Really-Joking Jokes

        Some rumors start out as senseless jokes, one has to concede that he/she had turned into a joke some part of truth about someone and with this thing, others question their character. It functions as a passive (inactive) way to spread and keep on spreading gossip. When jokes become harmful to another, it is called “mockery”. On the other hand, silly jokes get to spread as rumors all around and changed over and over again over a period of time. If people get used to those silly jokes that turned out being a rumor, it seems to be likely the truth. Moreover, rumors that last long and spread so far all over the country eventually becomes part of our culture.

Whispered Innuendo

        An example of this type of gossip is just like this: “I wonder how she was murdered when she actually out of town the night when she was allegedly murdered.” These elusive implications are misleading the people into thinking wrong thoughts and perceptions most especially if those conclusions are based on opinions, beliefs and suspicions coming all from gossips.  

Got-This-All-Wrong Gossip

        This is the time when you suddenly realized that you've spread a wrong information but you have a reason why you have do that simply because you suspected that it's true. For you, it sounds interesting and needs to let people know what you have heard. In fact, this is one of the most common types of gossip. An individual thinks that he/she is passing the freshest, hottest and latest new to others but he/she does not even know it could hurt someone. Almost everbody got this so wrong! After the act has been done, one just says that he even doesn't know the person and it doesn't matter to him if he could that particular person.

Misinformation

          Almost everybody had done this thing in their life that they used to believe what others say and in this way, people get things so erroneous. An individual seldom believes in exaggerating stories. On the other hand, people more often to swear that they only know what's the truth despite of the fact that they are the one who pass through the rumors coming from different persons. An example of this type of gossip is just like violating the speed limit. You have heard that it is alright to drive above the speed limit and in addition, the police would not certainly give you a ticket simply because you drive faster than five mile an hour. This is so erroneous. Whether you put you full force in driving your car above the right speed limit, you will still be caught by the police officers. Rumors are widespread and in fact, people used these rumors as an excuse with the police officers to not give them a ticket for the violation they had commited.

D. Purpose of Gossip

        Little we do know that gossip turns out to serve as a purpose. For the same reason, gossip serves a couple of purposes. According to a study, gossip may have a social purpose. It recommend to maintain the social order we have. Perhaps, if you ask an individual what comes first in his mind is that gossip is unethical. But more than that is that gossip has a sincere to desire to help others. Some researches focused on the gossip people spread to others if it's good or bad. First, gossip provides information about the target. If everyone gossips about that person is true then the character of that individual somehow deteriorate. But others were provided a “valuable” knowledge by this what so called “gossip”. A multitude of people gossip with each other when they experience the same situation with that person and with this way, they were able to share similarities.

        Furthermore, investigators said that gossip should be the central part of any group interaction simply because there's always behind it and we are not aware that it is even the truth. Many people find gossip for good reason. It not only helps to make things clear or clarify it but also imposed the rules among group interactions. Gossip offers a support for the neophytes in the group and serves as a safe place for those people who feel they are in danger of being an outcast and gossip about. In the meantime, grapevine branches out in every social gatherings or social groups. It functions to keep people in line and keep them from straying too far outside the certain rules of the groups.

        In an organization, gossip serves as a healthy relief of social and professional anxiety. It refers to putting someone down and feel embarrassed. It also serves to feel better by comprison, comparing this person to you and find out that you are indeed not better but the best compare to him. In simple words, it is the time to share insecurities but the simplest and  unsophisticated way to connect with someone else.

E. Influences of Gossip

a. Bad Influences

          Gossip earns a bad image for Filipinos. Talking about this bad image are also the bad influences brought by spreading rumors. There are multitude of negative influences of gossip. First, it influences one's relationship. For instance, if a girl has two suitors: Suitor A and Suitor B. After months of thinking who is the best between the two, the girl chose suitor B. Suitor A was deeply affected by the decision of the girl he loves and it almost broke his heart. Suitor A will not easily give up the one he really loves. He will do what it really takes to make the girl fall in love with her and be his partner. He started to spread rumors and gossip. There comes a time that the girl knew these rumors. She will probably decide to break up with her currently boyfriend. And with this thing, it states profoundly that gossip breaks the relationship no matter how strong the bond the two of you is.

        Next one is in terms of productivity. Gossip in home, school and even workplace reduces the productivity of those people who tend to gossip a lot all the time. It wastes time of everyone and the administrators who are the ones to address this kind of behavior. Another thing is that, gossip influences your character and personality. This is a common thing but we have to concede that being a gossiper will cause people not to trust you anymore since it had smeared your reputation. It also forbids intimacy in your kinship with others. Possible outcomes of gossip could be los of friendship, bad reputation, depression, hurt feelings, suicide and many other things.

        Moreover, with just gossip, harmful effects are present. The bottom line is everyone does it. To protect yourself, you tell that you do not mean to hurt and cause pain to others but the fact remains that there's still bad effects both to the gossiper and the person discussing about. In addition, one recognizes that gossip comes from the place of envy, insecurities and pain in ourselves.

1. Bad Karma

        As the saying goes, “Karma has no menu, you are served what you deserve.” This is one of the harmful effect of gossip is that it will haunt you if you do something bad about others. Probably, it will turn all around and you are the one being talked about by others. And someone will gosip about you.  It will not only happen to you, but to also those people who spread rumors or gossip . A cliché is always applied with regards this particular thing: It is important to treat others the way you want to be treated. Furthermore, you may think that you're gossiping about someone who is insipid and not important at all but also think of it that for the person you are gosiping about it is not important?

2. Isolation

        Unquestionably, gossip isolates you. It separates you from others so you need friends as well. There still some who will talk about you. You may not know that your close friends resent you secretly. Think again how others think of someone who gossips a lot.

3. No one trusts you

            Indeed, it is a fact that when you gossip about others, no one will trust you. Even your friends might doubt and become hesitant sharing serious matters with you for the reason that they fear you will gossip about it.

4. Breaks Promises

          Have anyone shared a secret to you and promised not to tell anybody about it? Gossiping leads to promises that had been broken. No one intentions to tell about it but they accidentally tell it to others. One will realize that he/she ended up spreading rumors or gossip simply because it is a good story to tackle about.

5. Undermines Integrity

          As you gossip, it damages your credibility and most likely, lose your integrity. Everybody knows that integrity is really important and if you gossip each and everyday, non-stop of talking about your classmates, colleagues and many more, you lose that integrity little by litlle and piece by piece. Once your integrity has been damaged, you have nothing left for yourself. Others will certainly be hurt with what you say and also people will not believe you anymore. Even your loved ones will find it difficult to believe with the things you are going to tell them.

Gossip influences our vision as well as our judgments

          According to an article made by Ed yong entitled "Gossip affects our vision as well as  our judgments", negative gossip affects two important things namely vision and judgment. One's judgment about a particular person really means a lot to the person, it might uplift them or intimidate them.

         An individual gets information about people from the third parties and  with that thing, they started to pay more attention to them or to him/her. There's a reason for this. Gossip ,most especially negative gossip, not only affects our judgments, but our vision too. Gossip influences the way we think and the time we see that person in the very first place. When our eyes sees different images, there is still one image which will become dominant. Those images we have seen will compete with one another for dominance. The result will most likely you see or sense both images, you only “see” one of them. Our brain and even yourself can decide or work out which is better at captivating the brains attention by simply looking and which one ends up on the top spot. According to Anderson and Siege, they said that the faces are more likely to dominate if they are exhibited along with negative statements rather than positive or neutral statements. They have concluded that negative information are more easily and more quickly learned

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b. Good Influences

        Many people perceives that gossip is doing more harm than good. But many researchers suggest that it has also positive effects and influences well-being of others. First is that gossip serves as a warning mechanism, the act of warning of someone that others might do something bad to that person. It also controls the overall rates of exploitation in some groups. In addition, gossip shows concern for the well-being of the person being discussed especially its emotional well-being. Gossip can also be therapeutic.  In some studies, people feel frustrated and down and it showed an increase in heart rate when they witness someone behaved in a deviant way. Engaging in gossip is a big help for them to feel better and it helps to temper their frustration and pacify their elevated heart rate.

        The influence of gossip may include one's feelings. It feels like that they fit into the group. Gossip makes them feel special and develops their self-esteem. This is their way to impress others. Here are some “good” reasons why  people are influenced to gossip:

a. To feel better – If an individual feel so bad about himself, sometimes, he will target somebody else to make him feel better.

b. To relieve boredom – According to studies, people especially the teens spread rumors to alleviate their boredom. Boredom topped as the number one reason why people spread rumors and gossip. They are bored in life that there is no thrill and drama that's why they spread rumors to add spice in their lives and make it more interesting and exciting.

c. To feel accepted -   This thing is simple as this, if an individual's circle of friends are gossiping around, he/she feels like to do the same thing in order to be accepted by them.

d. To get attention  - In order to get attention, you want to be the center of attraction by saying that you have a secret that nobody else knows or the first person in the group to know the rumor.

Good Gossip

          Spreading rumors and gossiping around can help to protect others and it is beneficial in the society. We tend to overlook that gossip is also good and can influence everyone in a good way just like showing concern for others that's why gossip is driven. Good gossip plays a vital role in maintaining social order. It helps others out more than just talking trash about that person. Gossip is not always malicious. Good gossip is the gossip that binds. In a study, there is subcategory of gossip and that is called “veneration gossip”. It is about talking nice things about other people. When people don't feel that no one is tracking their words, they are more likely engaging in negative gossip.

        There is always negative connotations about gossip but if you try to see it the other way around, it is valuable. Gossip is functional whether destructive or desirable. Gossip provides different pieces of information about them and allows everybody to live and be in diverse groups. In addition, gossip not only refers to putting down one's reputation but it also “value” the people we have never met before. Lastly, it is a powerful way to inform us whom to befriend and trust and of course, whom to avoid.

Chapter 3

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS

AND RECOMMENDATIONS

SUMMARY

        This research paper is designed to distinguish the influences of gossip in the Filipino culture. These good and bad influences really play a vital role in every Filipino’s lives.

        The research made is used in this study to exhibit pieces of information through different things and impart these things into people. This research paper has established connection and localized information for it to be easily interpreted and understood by a multitude of Filipinos. Furthermore, facts presented are indeed pertinent and the sources came from the enormous articles online. The data gathered for this research are used to answer aforementioned question intended by this paper. In addition, it also involves how it was analyzed. The findings of this research paper are as follows:

1. Gossip is significant in a cultural society. It helps everybody to somehow survive and of course, live together with diverse individuals. Moreover, gossip becomes a habit of everyone in some cultures across the globe specifically the Filipino culture. Kids, teenagers and adults are most likely to engage in gossiping. They usually do it and talk about someone who is not present. Lastly, gossip is affected with different factors in terms of how it was received and conveyed by everybody.

2. Society is the place where gossip belongs. Indeed, gossip is omnipresent in one’s life. It seems like it’s boundless and limitless. At every corner, it is present. Once you get caught, there’s no way out. Gossip is evaluated as an act of keeping yourself popular to others by discrediting others. On the contrary, it cultivates bonding and portraying self-image as well. Furthermore, gossip is not always belittling and criticizing others. Nevertheless, one cannot put it out. Another thing is that there are some findings that gossip are classified to its different uses but the only problem is that it is not applicable to various cultures.

3. Gossip comprises the following stuffs such as the idle and chatty talk among relatives, colleagues and friends, entails evaluation that gossip is done with several reasons. Gossip is an informal interaction of individuals with such incongruous information. It can also be about someone else and our favorite celebrities that comes in different forms of conversation like text messages, letters and emails. The involvement of people in gossip is between men and women. Not only women gossip more but also men who gossip as much as women do.

4. The factors that affect how gossip is received are among these three things. First is its relationship to the serious gossipers that an individual does not likely to believe with the strangers but to their friends and family. Next one is the type of gossip whether it is positive or negative in social situation. The last thing is the history of gossip. If an individual has an experience being a gossiper, he/she is likely to protect his/her credibility by saying that it was just an observation or personal opinions.

5. Gossip is not just about itself. Not all speculations, spiteful and false statement fall under the word “gossip”. Gossip has its different types and if you think what kind of malicious statements you pass on to others, try to check it out what type of gossip it is. The types of gossip are the following: slander, dishing, rumors, backbiting, not-really-joking jokes, whispered innuendo, got-this-all-wrong gossip and misinformation. In addition, gossip is not always bad simply because there’s also good gossip.

6. The definition of gossip is not the focus of all things but still after what its impact to the person being gossip about, what it brings and influences. The influences of gossip are ubiquitous. It will never be left behind whether it is good and bad. These influences are what make the other people to perpetuate gossip. An individual seeks to hurt somebody or to protect others.

CONCLUSION

          Based on the discoveries, results and findings of the different studies in this research paper, the following conclusions are drawn:

1. The gossiper earns a bad rap simply because gossip is negative in nature and meaning. An individual will always looks bad and ends up being the enemy of all compare to the person being discussed. Majority says that it is true and tends to overlook the word gossip.

2. Gossip has always a purpose why it is done. Gossip is really essential in social setting. Several purposes are the main reasons why gossip exists. One must be aware if his/her purpose is good or bad. One must take into consideration what will be its effect to the person being discuss and gossip about.

3. Gossip is not always negative because everything has its good side. Bad gossip will not always reign because good gossip is there to make its way.

4. Destructive effects of gossip are always present. In addition, negative or destructive gossip comes from the place or situation of being jealousy, insecure and experiencing pain because of others.

5. Gossip is for oneself. To protect yours, you will concede that you speak not to cause pain and hurt to somebody. However, the truth shall prevail and its effects to the gossiper and the person discussing about will eventually there and everywhere.

     

RECOMMENDATIONS

          After drawing the conclusions of this certain study, in the same manner, the researcher hereby makes the following ideas, suggestions and recommendations:

1. Since gossip is around, different people are getting involved in this delicate thing in social settings like house, school and workplace. One must take these suggestions because it will surely benefit them in every way. First is in the corporate world or the people in the workplace. Employees are said to be the number one people who are fond of gossiping. Majority of them are not aware of what so called the “grapevine”. It is indeed difficult to distinguish it simply because it occurs in numerous ways. For the employees, as much as possible, if you feel you’ve pass on spiteful gossip, try to kill it. It will be easy for the person to kill and eradicate the gossip most especially if he/she is the one who started it.

2. For the bosses out there, they know that grapevine is prevalent in office/workplace. If you’ve got free times, walk around. Researchers called it as “management by walking around”. It is better to do it simply because you only have to walk around and check the works and deeds of your employees. It is done to somehow deter or prevent the informal communication system in the organization. Besides, it is an excellent way to correct and monitor the grapevine in a non-threatening approach.

3. Students are as well gossipers. Whenever there’s a hot topic, hot potshots will be exhibited. Students should be discreet in spreading rumors or gossip. It may cause a harsh quarrel between the gossiper and the person discussing about. Every student must think before coming up with a decision if they want to revenge by gossiping about the person he/she hates in order to prevent an enormous fight. In fact, there are so many ways to revenge instead of gossiping. Try to contemplate and it might bring you and the person you truly hate in a nice way.

4. The family and its members have no escape with the act of gossiping. Destructive gossip is prevalent in the family circle and they must be aware all the time because there comes a time that they might be separated just because of the unruly gossip and value-laden information. Each family must spend time bonding with each other, talking and sharing nice experiences of each member of the family.

5. Researchers should monitor and always use their own observations to come up with very detailed information not only about the gossip itself but also its influences to the Filipinos. Although it may take a lot of time, it may give everybody a profound understanding why gossip still exists and why everyone is affected once gossip gets started. Researchers should be able to come up somehow with some ideas with regards the things that gossips encompass. 

References:

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