[Qantourisc]

Sure: discredits other (an thus increases your status), people like complaining (increase your like-ability), feeds people interest (people return for more) -> better relationships. More chance to live.

Personally I am applaud by such behaviour. Even telling second hand is a no-go unless you know the source would be willing to tell the other person.

[nikdaheratik]

I think you're ignoring the fact that the person who is doing the gossiping can also be the subject of gossip. If you gain a reputation for spreading untrue negative assessments about others, then you could end up being the subject of ostracism as that behavior also can lead to results that are harmful for the group.

Which, of course, can lead to even more complex "gaming" of the system, but only to the point where the amount of effort you put in outweighs the minimum acceptable level of effort you could otherwise put into the work itself.

[zby]

"Personally I am applaud" - looks like a Freudian slip.

But yeah - you are right - on personal level it is pretty obvious.

[Qantourisc]

s/applaud/appalled Sorry I never write this word in English.