The Debate Over Who Gossips More: Men or Women

Merriam-Webster Online defines gossip as: "1: a person who habitually reveals personal or sensational facts about others 2 a: rumor or report of an intimate nature b: a chatty talk"

It has been a long standing stereotype that women gossip more than men. Women have been described as chatter boxes, meddlesome and nosey. Some conclude women add their own spin and opinions to a story as they pass it along. And men simply stick to the original facts as he passes the story along.

The Social Issues Research Centre, UK, interviewed 1,000 cell phone users about how they use their cell phones for gossip. The study found that 33 percent of men take part in gossiping almost everyday, compared with 26 percent of women.

The study finds that men gossip with co-workers, significant others and female friends. And surprisingly, men spend more time talking about themselves than women. Networking is what they call it.

Ask any man if they gossip, and the quick response would be a definite no. Funny, most men do not include locker room banter, kiss and tell conversations with their buddies and office goings on as gossip.

Men even have their own gossip shows and network. Have you watched ESPN lately? It is the gossip haven for men. But let them tell it, it's just sports news.

The one factor the study did not take into consideration is the internet. With all the celebrity fascination that goes on today, it is safe to say that men and women gossip equally online.

Sites like TMZ.com and PerezHilton.com have an equal following of both men and women. Even here on Associated Content, both sexes write articles on the adventures of celebrity tarts like Paris Hilton and Brittany Spears. I have been known to dabble in the celebrity gossip mill with an article about Amy and Joey . Yes, I must admit I have written about Paris Hilton also.

Personally, I think gender really does not have much to do about who gossips. It is a individual personality trait. We just basically have to keep in mind to watch what we say about others, because more than likely, you would not want false information floating around about you.