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Gossip in Society: Tsismis Culture and Its Influence on Social Relationships in
the Philippines
Article · December 2023
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Gossip in Society:
Tsismis Culture and Its Influence on Social Relationships in the Philippines
Keywords: Tsismis, Gossip, Gossiping
A Journal Analysis presented as a final requirement
for the Social Psychology SOCP311
By:
Araña, Ariana Mae P.
BS PSYCHOLOGY 3-YA-7
Submitted to:
Mr. Emmanuel Paciano Mabulay
2023
ABSTRACT
This study examined and searched a wide range of publications, journals, and research
projects to compile data regarding how the tsismis culture influences relationships and social
connections in the Philippines. This paper aims to provide an understanding of the history,
influences, and effects of tsismis Filipino culture on daily lives and social relationships. Studies
showed that gossiping is not necessarily a bad thing yet; it is a way for society to connect and
create a bond. Although some tsismis can be harmful in various ways, the Filipinos seem to be
familiar with how it works. It is their way of connecting, having entertainment to waste their
pastime with, and embracing the positive and negative effects that come with it. This review also
tackled the theory regarding gossip, the way it influences, and its role in social cohesiveness.
INTRODUCTION
The Philippines views tsismis as a culture that affects interpersonal interactions. It is a
long-standing phenomenon that affects the Filipino community. Chattering among friends,
relatives, coworkers, and even ourselves is an essential aspect of human interaction. According
to Dushime (2023), gossip accounts for 65–80% of all talk globally, demonstrating how
pervasive it is in our daily lives. People who gossip engage in it for an average of 52 minutes a
day, which illustrates how gossip affects our communication patterns. The fact that gossip is so
common suggests that it is inextricably linked to social interactions and the exchange of
information, which makes it difficult to eliminate it entirely. Even so, it went digital and now
exists on social media. Kemp stated (2023), that as of 2023, the rate of Filipinos who use social
media is 84.45 million who join and connect with people online. With the use of social media,
Filipinos adore stories and gossip; digital gossip demonstrates that a dramatic narrative sells
(Perez, 2023). Both digital and personal gossip have impacts on and influence people in different
ways. Especially when tsismis is a typical and frequently essential component of social
communication for Filipinos.
The Spanish word chismes, which means gossip, is where the word tsismis originated. The
people who engage in the tsismis conversation are called tsismosa for females and tsismoso for
males. (Limos, 2020). According to Castro (2022), during Spain's colonization of the
Philippines, the government determined that official news could only originate from the Spanish
government and its loyal individuals. Everything else, including the tales of the Umalohokan,
was regarded as tsismis. Umalohokan, or the ‘town criers’ traveled the many barangays on foot
to inform the populace of news and events during the pre-colonial period in the Philippines.
Because the information originated from people the community knew, Filipinos found tsismis a
far more reliable source.
A tsismis or gossip can be about any topic, including relationships, reputations, and other
issues that people usually do not talk about publicly and that may or may not be true. It can be
shared orally or through various communication channels and is typically exchanged within
social circles or communities. Even with complete strangers, gossip may develop a connection
and is essential to having power. Sometimes, tsismis or gossip can be harmless, focusing on
trivial matters, while in other cases, it can be malicious or damaging, potentially spreading false
or harmful information about individuals. It influences interpersonal relationships and even the
lifestyle of someone participating in a tsismis conversation.
THEORETICAL APPROACH
In 1997, British anthropologist and evolutionary psychologist Robin Dunbar proposed a
gossip theory in his book entitled Grooming, Gossip, and the Evolution of Language. According
to Dore (2018) Dunbar’s theory served as a kind of grooming technique for social groups that
were expanding. As people moved from smaller, hunter-gatherer groups to larger communities,
they needed a low-cost, efficient method of communicating social rules and reining in
misbehavior. Gossiping serves as a way to bond with others, maintain social connections, and
learn about the behaviors and reputations of individuals within the social group. He suggested
that social cohesiveness and language development in humans were greatly influenced by gossip.
Dunbar also proposed that such a type of behavior undermines the trust that is the
foundation of social existence. People couldn't sustain the cohesiveness of our big social groups
without gossip. Dunbar's beliefs on social group sizes and their effects on human evolution and
social behavior are consistent with his views on gossip and its relationship to social bonding.
According to his theory, gossip communicates societal norms without being intrinsically bad.
Understanding the dynamics of human social networks and communication patterns has
benefited from his work.
THE DIMENSION OF THE ISSUE
There is a lot more information associated with gossip or tsismis than the average person
knows. In the Philippines, the act of gossiping is a part of the culture and routine of most people.
In reality, gossip can spread quickly and widely. Even can be on personal or social media. A
study done in 2022 by Gorospe, indicates that tsismis is like a spectrum, it has advantages (such
as how participants build relationships and establish new acquaintances through gossip) and
disadvantages (like how tsismis can generate problems that lead to the termination of a
relationship with other people). Comparatively, research has demonstrated that tsismis have more
information associated with it and its influence on society.
Types of Gossip
The terms "casual conversation," "shop talk," "inactive talk," and "backstabbing" all
reinforce the negative perception of gossip. However, there are three distinct types of gossip that
enable individuals to distinguish between them. There have been several shifts in the importance
of gossip. People communicate with one another and keep linked through gossip. Although it
hasn't always been harmful, it could become unhealthy. Understanding the difference between
friendly banter and dangerous rumors helps protect both relationships and mental health.
One kind of gossip that might make someone feel more comfortable with their own
opinions and even more understanding of others' viewpoints is positive gossip. Positive gossip,
when applied constructively, can improve relationships and emotional well-being. Positive
remarks about other people convey acceptance, love, empathy, trust, and belief, all of which
increase one's confidence, excitement, and sense of self. Positive gossip therefore creates a loyal
and supportive atmosphere that supports personal growth. On the other hand, neutral gossip
tended to be common (and frequently dull) topics, such as how someone watched a lot of movies
to be up-to-date. comparatively innocuous conversations that don't always have a bad effect
regarding the news or the actions of others. It might entail sharing generic data without malicious
intent. Lastly, negative gossip can have a detrimental effect on the topic at hand as well as the
social setting in general. In particular, among susceptible populations like teenagers, it
undermines self-esteem and confidence and can result in feelings of loneliness, sadness, and
even suicidal thoughts. Negative rumors have poisonous impacts that go beyond individuals; it
can lower morale at work and, in extreme circumstances, even cause businesses to fail (Maharaj,
2023).
Positive Impacts of Gossiping
Despite the negative connotations associated with the term "gossip" or "tsismis,"
gossiping actually has a positive impact on relationships with others. It creates or strengthens
social ties within a group and can promote communication between individuals by fostering
social bonds through information exchange (Bhardwaj, 2021). Sometimes, gossip spreads vital or
helpful information. In social contexts or groups, gossip can serve as a means of informing
others about possible dangers, giving guidance, or revealing potentially useful information. The
reinforcement of societal norms and values may be aided by gossip. People can reinforce
acceptable behavior or issue a warning about actions that might be regarded as unacceptable in a
certain social situation by talking about the behavior or actions of others. It also entails talking
about other people's experiences or deeds, which can present chances for social learning.
Through these discussions, people may learn new things or gain new perspectives on the
achievements and mistakes of others. Sometimes, gossiping innocuously and lightly can be a
stress reliever. People in a social circle might bond through similar experiences and have
moments of amusement when they hear lighthearted or humorous stories about one another.
Negative Impacts of Gossiping
It's crucial to remember that, despite these benefits, gossip frequently carries risks, such
as the dissemination of misinformation, potential damage to relationships, and the continuation
of negativity. Talking about gossip should therefore be done so carefully and conscious of the
possible repercussions (Dushime, 2023). Gossiping can damage a person’s reputation with
unverified information. Once information is public, it can be difficult to manage or amend, which
can cause damage that lasts a lifetime. In relationships, gossiping has the potential to destroy
trust. People may hesitate to trust or confide in someone after learning that they spread rumors
about other people. It may cause tension in friendships, familial ties, or professional
relationships. It can be difficult to mend relationships once gossip has destroyed confidence. It
may also result in other physical and mental health problems. Gossip has a tendency to inflame
disputes and exacerbate divisions among friends, coworkers, or communities. It has the power to
intensify miscommunications and transform unimportant problems into important ones. Missed
opportunities can result from gossip. Individuals who have a reputation for spreading rumors
may not want to cooperate or work with them, which would limit opportunities for networking
and career advancement. In certain situations, a culture of gossip can become embedded within
communities or organizations, creating a toxic environment where rumors and speculation take
precedence over sincere communication and collaboration. Gossip frequently involves sharing
private or sensitive information without permission, raising ethical concerns about respecting
others' privacy and boundaries. To prevent these detrimental consequences on people and
relationships, it is critical to acknowledge the negative effects of gossiping and work toward
fostering open, honest communication based on respect and trust.
Who are the ‘Marites’ of the Philippines
A unique internet gossip culture called Marites has emerged in the Philippines in recent
years (Legazpi, 2021). Referred to as "Marites" after a well-liked character in a local TV show,
the term describes those who are adept at sharing the newest rumors and news via social media
and other online channels (Parnala, 2022). Participants in this culture are adept at snooping on
the newest rumors and news, and they use social media and other internet channels to share this
knowledge. The word "Marites" is a nickname for someone who is a gossiper or involved in a
tsismis. When several people voiced their concerns over Manila Mayor Isko Moreno repealing
the booze ban in 2020, Marites became more well-known. As a result, the saying "Manahimik
ka, Marites"—which translates to "Be quiet, Marites" was used and went viral online (Legazpi,
2021). The rise of Marites highlights even more the tsismis culture in the Philippines, both in
person and online. The Marites culture is a mix of modern and ancient communication
techniques that Filipinos have embraced and modified to fit their evolving social and
technological environments.
Anti-tsismis Law
Spreading tsismis of any form can be illegal in the Philippines. The act of discrediting or
harming someone's reputation through the use of technology, including the internet, social media,
or other digital communication channels, is known as cyber libel. It involves the dissemination of
malicious or misleading information that is intended to damage someone's integrity, reputation,
or character. These could be false or defamatory social media posts. Cyber libel under R.A.
10175 is governed by the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. Defamation is illegal in the eyes
of the law and is subject to penalties and imprisonment. Speaking maliciously and falsely about
someone else in order to damage their reputation is known as oral defamation, or slander (Ayala,
2023). When the gossip's primary source or author is unknown but someone spreads the word to
others in an effort to harm someone else's reputation, that person is in violation of Article 364,
Intriguing against honor. Any intrigue whose primary goal is to damage someone's honor or
reputation will be punished with an arresto menor or a fine of no more than twenty thousand
pesos (P20,000.00). This is not the same as slander or oral defamation, in which the rumor
originates from the person who speaks the defamatory remarks. In other cases, if children were
involved, R.A 7610 Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and
Discrimination Act under Section 10 can be the punishable law for it.
Psychological Perspective of Gossiping
People who gossip have psychological reasons on why they do it. It can be an escape from
reality to some people, it offers amusement in some way or another by concentrating on the lives
and pursuits of others. People may find it entertaining to hear about or speculate about the
private lives of famous people, public figures, or individuals because it brings drama or
excitement to their own lives. Examining the failures, successes, and embarrassments of others
might help people feel better about themselves or build confidence in their own life. It promotes
self-improvement and, by drawing attention to the flaws or bad luck of others, can momentarily
raise self-esteem. A 2023 study from the University of Pavia found that talking with friends and
associates triggers the brain's production of oxytocin, a hormone. The body releases a
comparable "cuddle chemical" after sex. (Psychologs, 2023). Even though people may think that
gossiping is just a little routine or hobby that one can do anytime, it also has a psychological
impact on the people participating in it.
According to Makati Medical Center (2023), another 2015 study done by incredible
scientists, the brain imaging of men and women was examined while they were subjected to
rumors, both good and bad, about their friends, families, celebrities, and even themselves. The
prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain involved in navigating complicated social actions,
exhibited greater activity, according to the research. The reward area of the brain, the caudate
nucleus, was also found to be active during celebrity gossiping. It should come as no surprise
that the subjects were less offended by negative stories about others and were pleased to hear
favorable rumors about themselves. However, gossip is not always bad. As absurd as it sounds,
there are a few established advantages to it. In a 2012 study, Matthew Feinberg, an assistant
professor of organizational behavior at the Rotman School of Management at the University of
Toronto, examined the advantages of gossiping. Researchers discovered that subjects' heart rates
rose when they heard about injustices or antisocial behavior by others, but that their heart rates
decreased when they actively engaged in gossip about a subject or theme. The study claims that
gossiping "helps calm the body." Both studies can still be utilized to conclusively demonstrate
the potential benefits and drawbacks of gossiping. As per the health issues, gossiping can affect
the mental health of an individual. Being the subject of gossip can negatively affect a person's
self-worth and confidence over time. On rare occasions, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts,
sadness, or anxiety may arise as a result of this impact.
CONCLUSION
In the Philippines, tsismis, or gossip, remains deeply embedded in the social fabric and
social relationship for decades. It facilitates communication between people, information
sharing, and relationship building among communities. Even though it has positive and negative
influences, its social influence overrides it. Filipinos consider tsismis as a part of being friendly,
social bonding and the historical roots, social capital, and basic human need for connection with
others all contribute to the strong love for tsismis. Although it can be useful for social
interaction, communication, and community cohesiveness, they also have inherent risks.
Invasion of privacy, the spread of misleading information, and the continuation of negative
stereotypes could have unfavorable effects yet it persists and even flourishes. The point is that
there are several ways in which tsismis might be self-serving. Tsismis or participating in
pakikipag-tsismisan provides Filipinos a kind of enjoyment when their days are boring, or it can
be a means to stay informed or "updated" with the most recent information. Filipinos believe that
in engaging in a tsismis conversation, it’s a way of sharing information whether it is the truth or
not.
Tsismis delves into its multifaceted nature, considering its role in social interactions,
power structures, information dissemination, and the formation of social identities. The practice
of tsismis has become a part of Filipino culture. It’s everywhere and almost all Filipinos gossip,
from the students, children, parents, teachers, housewives, employees, and even politicians
gossip. It is and always has been a part of the culture. For the majority of Filipinos, engaging in
gossip is a delightful part of a meal that helps to brighten and cheer the day. Tsismis is a thriving
plant that adds flavor to Philippine culture and is one of the numerous elements that sustains
Filipino social relationships.
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