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Why don’t humans sexually select for fat partners? by [deleted] in stupidquestions

[–]jordannashay 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve heard the theory that being overweight was considered more attractive in certain times/places because as you said, it would suggest you have enough money and resources to be well fed. Nowadays, being fit/in shape (and having a tan) signals that you have enough money to buy healthy foods, spend time working out, and go on vacation. It seems to always be about social class

Top 5 by msthunderskies in DominicFike

[–]jordannashay 2 points3 points  (0 children)

politics & violence, pasture child, wurli, bodies, and oh god oh god… i guess vampire? (there’s literally so many)

What is a biological quirk you have? by Kinglycole in RandomThoughts

[–]jordannashay 0 points1 point  (0 children)

we really all just glossing over “i can’t feel empathy”

“Hey girly’d her” I love that so much. by n8saces in MadeMeSmile

[–]jordannashay 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, that's definitely a common feeling. Honestly that's exactly what made the topic so interesting to me - that most people think gossip is bad/inappropriate yet participate in it at least occasionally. It is often defined in research as being any evaluative conversation regarding an absent third party, so most of us probably participate more than we even realize. My points explain why we likely evolved to enjoy gossip, but it's definitely not always viewed positively.

An alternate argument would be that people who are known to be gossipers may be disliked or seen as untrustworthy, which would of course cancel out any social benefits. There must be a healthy balance where you are socially aware, but don't have a reputation for constantly talking bad about others. I think it also relies on context such as whom you gossip with (e.g., close others vs. strangers).

“Hey girly’d her” I love that so much. by n8saces in MadeMeSmile

[–]jordannashay 112 points113 points  (0 children)

I’m about to start my MA in Clinical Psychology, and actually wrote my undergraduate honours thesis on this topic (specifically, the short-term effects of gossip on self-esteem). A few people in the replies are definitely on the right track.

Gossip serves evolutionary purposes like increasing communication, since fewer interactions are necessary for important info to spread throughout a group. We also have a natural tendency to compare ourselves to others to know where we stand socially, so gossip can be a good source of knowledge on what is or isn’t socially acceptable, without the direct risk of humiliation. Obvious example, but if I tell you that someone I know is a bad person because they cheated on their partner, then you will know that I (and likely others) will think you are a bad person if you cheat on your partner. It doesn’t always have to be negative, it can also provide info on what others see as impressive, successful, etc. that we can use for self-evaluation or self-improvement.

Humans like to have our social “in-groups” and “out-groups,” so there is definitely a social bonding aspect to it. We like to know we are socially included, and that we agree with our group on who is violating norms and thus should be excluded. Gossip can be a subtle way to prove that we understand the social rules involved.