Gossip phrased with concern provides female gossipers a social advantage while harming the reputations of their targets, according to research published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology. Research has documented that women engage in intrasexual competition through indirect tactics, such as gossip, to damage the reputation of same-sex rivals. These behaviors serve as adaptive strategies to gain social and romantic advantages without the risks associated with direct confrontation. Studies have also suggested that women may not be fully aware of their harmful motivations when gossi…