How to Turn Gossip Into Positive Forces

Let's face it, like it or not, gossip is part of our daily lives. It's a behavior rooted in human nature. In a nutshell, gossip is talking about people who aren't there. Each of us spends an average of one hour a day indulging in this form of communication, whether it's about colleagues, friends, family members or other individuals.

Sometimes these conversations about others are harmless, and we simply share information, so-called "neutral gossip." However, other times, for various reasons such as our insecurities or the desire to increase our social status, gossip takes a malicious turn, turning into veritable weapons against others. Toxic gossip can harm both the person spreading it and the target. Talking negatively about others can lead others to fear that we'll talk about them in the same way, damaging existing relationships and undermining trust within the group. As for being the target of malicious gossip, this can be hurtful, isolating and damaging to a person's self-confidence and abilities.

However, it is possible to satisfy our need to gossip in a way that benefits ourselves and others. Positive gossiping involves sharing the achievements of others and celebrating their contributions without any malicious intent. By doing so, we can foster trust, strengthen our bonds with others, feel fully integrated into a team and have the opportunity to learn from the inspiring examples offered by others. So let's be aware of how we communicate about others and choose to promote constructive, caring gossip in our daily interactions.

In ancient Greece, the great philosopher Socrates was renowned for his wisdom and ability to discern the truth. It is said that he had a particular method for filtering the information he received from others, and this enabled him to guard against the gossip and false news that could circulate in society at the time.

The "Socrates filter" was actually a series of three questions that Socrates put to those who came to him with information or gossip. These questions were designed to assess the veracity and relevance of what they heard:

Are you absolutely certain that this information is true?

Socrates insisted on the importance of not spreading dubious or unverified information. He encouraged people to question themselves and reflect on the source of their knowledge.

Is what you're telling me good, right or useful?

Socrates attached great importance to virtue and benevolence. He therefore invited his interlocutors to ask themselves whether sharing this information could make a positive contribution to the lives of others and the community.

Have you personally checked whether this has a direct impact on your own life?

By asking this, Socrates was encouraging people to think about the real impact this information could have on their own lives. In so doing, he was emphasizing the importance of not getting caught up in rumors that didn't directly concern their well-being or personal evolution.

Socrates' filter was not only a way of protecting ourselves from gossip, but also a means of encouraging reflection, caution and responsibility in the way we communicate with others. It was a reminder that truth and wisdom are to be found in the sincere search and pursuit of knowledge, rather than in the blind propagation of gossip and false news.

Today, Socrates' filter can still be a valuable lesson to guide us in our use of social media and in the way we process the information we receive. It reminds us of the importance of critical thinking and benevolence in a world where gossip and false information can spread rapidly and have damaging consequences on people's lives. By practicing Socrates' filter, we can become more responsible communicators, concerned with the truth and the well-being of others.