Social Gossiping Calms Nerves
Younghoon Kim with his jaw-dropping IQ of 276 shared that he’s all about celebrity news. He’s a huge K-Pop lover and keeps tabs on what’s happening with Taylor and Travis. As he told our Editor-in-Chief Dan Wakeford, “I love news and stories from the entertainment world because it really helps with my anxiety.”
Gossip actually gives everybody social currency. We’ve all pretended to know about a movie, band, or podcast just to keep the conversation going, right? Entertainment news is like the glue that holds social circles together. Asking who watched “Love Is Blind” last night might sound like small talk, but it sets the stage for better teamwork at work and social settings.
Science Proves Chatter is Fine
A study from Stanford and the University of Maryland found that just chatting casually for about an hour a day can improve cooperation in the workplace. It’s all about building trust. In his book Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, Yuval Noah Harari talks about how us humans are social animals, and gossip is kind of crucial for our survival. So, chatting about breakups, feuds, and romance—whether it’s Hollywood stars or your coworkers—helps you get in on important info later, like job changes or, you know, any lurking “lions.”
Gossip also helps boost your creative confidence. Celebs might seem to live on another planet, but tracking their journeys—even taking just the tiniest bit of inspiration from them—can really help.
Feeling stuck in your career? There’s always some star out there who’s leveled up. Wondering if you’re too old for a promotion? Look at Demi Moore winning a Golden Globe at 62! Thinking you’re too crazy in your youth to be taken seriously? Just look at Drew Barrymore or Lindsay Lohan, both major successes now! Feeling uninspired in your job? Kate Hudson dropped her debut album in her 40s, and Dwayne Johnson went from wrestling to blockbuster films. Suddenly, that language class you thought about joining feels way less ridiculous, huh?
Kim puts it nicely: “Celebrities are artists, so learning about their lives is kind of like an art experience. It’s a form of escape for me, plus it sparks inspiration. They’re super creative, helping us think of fresh ideas and find new ways to express ourselves. It motivates us to become better versions of ourselves.”
If the world’s smartest guy isn’t stuck in textbooks, it’s totally fine for us to enjoy a wide variety of media too. Gossip also helps make tough times feel a bit lighter. If you’re dealing with something hard—a bad breakup, fertility struggles, or mental health ups and downs—chances are there’s a celebrity who gets it and has talked openly about it.