Gossiping, or sharing information about others, is a common human behavior. Some personality types may be more prone to gossiping than others. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) categorizes personalities into 16 types based on preferences in how people perceive the world and make decisions. This article will explore which MBTI types are most likely to gossip.
What is gossip?
Gossip is defined as casual or unconstrained conversation about other people and their affairs. It often involves sharing sensitive information or rumors, true or untrue, about people who are not present. Gossip can serve social functions like bonding, entertainment, or gaining insider knowledge. However, it can also be hurtful, unethical, and damage reputations.
While gossip is sometimes trivial, it can also have significant social impacts. The content and style of gossip conveys social norms and influences group dynamics. Gossip allows people to evaluate others’ behavior and compare it to social expectations. It can act as informal social control by punishing norm violations through judgment. Gossip also allows people to gain social advantage by spreading positive or negative information about others.
MBTI personality types
The MBTI categorizes personality types along four dichotomies, each with two preferences:
- Introversion (I) – Extroversion (E)
- Sensing (S) – Intuition (N)
- Thinking (T) – Feeling (F)
- Judging (J) – Perceiving (P)
There are 16 personality types that result from different combinations of the preferences, such as ESTJ, INFP, ENTP, etc. Though types are often stereotyped, in reality there is much variation within each type.
MBTI types most likely to gossip
Certain MBTI personality traits may make some types more prone to gossiping. Though individuals vary, these types tend to gossip more on average:
Extraverts
Extraverts (E) gain energy from social interaction and external stimulation. They tend to be outgoing, talkative, and have large social networks – traits conducive to swapping gossip. Introverts (I), who expend energy in social settings, are less likely to actively participate in casual social chatter.
Sensors
Sensing (S) types focus on concrete details and practical realities of a situation. They may view gossip as a way to stay informed about people’s lives and relationships. Intuitive (N) types are more focused on patterns, theories, and future possibilities.
Feelers
Feeling (F) types make decisions based on values and social harmony. Gossip allows them to gauge people’s motives and maintain group bonds. Thinkers (T) decide using logic and are less likely to see the social utility of gossip.
Perceivers
Perceiving (P) types prefer to keep their options open and remain adaptable. They are curious about new information and may participate in gossip as an impromptu way to learn things. Judgers (J) prefer structure, closure, and planning, so are less likely to chat aimlessly.
ESFPs
Based on these traits, the ESFP personality type is most strongly correlated with enjoying gossip. As extraverted sensors who use feeling judgment, ESFPs thrive on connecting with others and staying up-to-date on social happenings. Other likely gossipers are ESFJ, ESFP, ESTP, and ENFP types.
Why certain MBTI types gossip more
The tendencies of extraverted, sensing, feeling perceivers give insight into why ESFPs and similar types may be prone to gossiping. Possible explanations include:
- Social motivation – Extraverts thrive on casual social interaction.
- Practical details – Sensors focus on real behaviors and relationships.
- Harmony maintenance – Feelers assess social standing and alliances.
- Spontaneity – Perceivers make spur-of-the-moment conversational choices.
- Boredom avoidance – Gossip entertains extraverts who dislike solitary activities.
- Bonding – Gossip signals trust and intimacy which feelers prioritize.
Additionally, the traits of introverted, intuitive, thinking judgers make types like INTJ less prone to gossip. They are inwardly focused, abstract thinkers who prefer purposeful conversations.
Gender differences
Gender socialization may also intersect with MBTI type and gossip tendencies. Research shows women gossip more frequently in closer friendship circles, while men gossip about acquaintances in larger groups. Feeling types are stereotypically more common among women, which may further incline female ESFPs, ESFJs, and other feeling extraverts to gossip.
Ethical considerations
While gossiping comes naturally for some personality types, it can also have destructive consequences. Ethical principles to keep in mind include:
- Consider truthfulness – Don’t spread unverified rumors.
- Respect privacy – Obtain consent before revealing personal details.
- Avoid malice – Don’t gossip just to damage reputations.
- Monitor motives – Make sure gossip doesn’t stem from jealousy or pettiness.
- Golden Rule – Only gossip if you wouldn’t mind if others did the same about you.
The bottom line is that gossip should avoid harming others or violating their trust. Personality differences don’t justify unethical behavior.
Conclusion
In summary, ESFPs and similar extraverted, sensing, feeling perceiving types seem most inclined toward gossiping. Their social nature, focus on real-world details, values-based decisions, and spontaneity make gossip an appealing pastime. However, personality tendencies do not make gossip ethically right for anyone. With mindful boundaries, even the biggest gossipers can engage in this social behavior appropriately.
| MBTI Type | Gossiping Tendency |
|---|---|
| ESFP | High |
| ESFJ | High |
| ENFP | High |
| ESTP | Moderate |
| ENTP | Moderate |
| ISFP | Low |
| INTJ | Low |
