Narcissists Prefer Gossip Over Being Ignored, Study RevealsA 2025 study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin suggests narcissists crave attention so intensely that they’d rather be gossiped about than ignored. Researchers from the University of Amsterdam conducted experiments with 300 participants, assessing narcissistic traits and their reactions to social scenarios.Key Findings
The study found that individuals with high narcissistic tendencies—marked by grandiosity, entitlement, and a need for admiration—preferred being the subject of negative gossip over receiving no attention. In one experiment, participants imagined coworkers talking about them either positively, negatively, or not at all. Narcissists reported feeling most validated when discussed, even if the chatter was critical, as it reinforced their sense of relevance. Being ignored, however, triggered feelings of insignificance, which they found deeply unsettling.Why It Matters
Narcissists thrive on external validation, and the study suggests any spotlight, even a negative one, feeds their ego. This aligns with prior research showing narcissists prioritize status over likability. Lead researcher Dr. Anna Van der Meer noted, “For narcissists, being ignored is the ultimate blow—it’s as if they don’t exist.” This may explain why some seek controversy or provoke reactions to stay center stage.Real-World Implications
The findings shed light on behaviors in workplaces, social circles, and online platforms. Narcissists may stir drama or flaunt achievements to avoid fading into the background, even at the cost of criticism. The study also hints at challenges in managing narcissistic personalities, as ignoring them could escalate attention-seeking antics.A Broader Perspective
While the study focused on clinical narcissism, it raises questions about our attention-driven culture. In an era of viral fame and social media clout, the desire to be noticed, positively or negatively, may not be exclusive to narcissists. The research invites reflection: Are we all, to some degree, chasing the spotlight?By illuminating narcissists’ aversion to being overlooked, the study offers a fresh lens on human behavior and the lengths some go to stay in the conversation.
Narcissists Prefer Gossip Over Being Ignored, Study Reveals
A 2025 study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin suggests narcissists crave attention so intensely that they’d rather be gossiped about than ignored. Researchers from the University of Amsterdam conducted experiments with 300 participants, assessing narcissistic traits and their reactions to social scenarios.
Key Findings
The study found that individuals with high narcissistic tendencies—marked by grandiosity, entitlement, and a need for admiration—preferred being the subject of negative gossip over receiving no attention. In one experiment, participants imagined coworkers talking about them either positively, negatively, or not at all. Narcissists reported feeling most validated when discussed, even if the chatter was critical, as it reinforced their sense of relevance. Being ignored, however, triggered feelings of insignificance, which they found deeply unsettling.
The study found that individuals with high narcissistic tendencies—marked by grandiosity, entitlement, and a need for admiration—preferred being the subject of negative gossip over receiving no attention. In one experiment, participants imagined coworkers talking about them either positively, negatively, or not at all. Narcissists reported feeling most validated when discussed, even if the chatter was critical, as it reinforced their sense of relevance. Being ignored, however, triggered feelings of insignificance, which they found deeply unsettling.
Why It Matters
Narcissists thrive on external validation, and the study suggests any spotlight, even a negative one, feeds their ego. This aligns with prior research showing narcissists prioritize status over likability. Lead researcher Dr. Anna Van der Meer noted, “For narcissists, being ignored is the ultimate blow—it’s as if they don’t exist.” This may explain why some seek controversy or provoke reactions to stay center stage.
Narcissists thrive on external validation, and the study suggests any spotlight, even a negative one, feeds their ego. This aligns with prior research showing narcissists prioritize status over likability. Lead researcher Dr. Anna Van der Meer noted, “For narcissists, being ignored is the ultimate blow—it’s as if they don’t exist.” This may explain why some seek controversy or provoke reactions to stay center stage.
Real-World Implications
The findings shed light on behaviors in workplaces, social circles, and online platforms. Narcissists may stir drama or flaunt achievements to avoid fading into the background, even at the cost of criticism. The study also hints at challenges in managing narcissistic personalities, as ignoring them could escalate attention-seeking antics.
The findings shed light on behaviors in workplaces, social circles, and online platforms. Narcissists may stir drama or flaunt achievements to avoid fading into the background, even at the cost of criticism. The study also hints at challenges in managing narcissistic personalities, as ignoring them could escalate attention-seeking antics.
A Broader Perspective
While the study focused on clinical narcissism, it raises questions about our attention-driven culture. In an era of viral fame and social media clout, the desire to be noticed, positively or negatively, may not be exclusive to narcissists. The research invites reflection: Are we all, to some degree, chasing the spotlight?
While the study focused on clinical narcissism, it raises questions about our attention-driven culture. In an era of viral fame and social media clout, the desire to be noticed, positively or negatively, may not be exclusive to narcissists. The research invites reflection: Are we all, to some degree, chasing the spotlight?
By illuminating narcissists’ aversion to being overlooked, the study offers a fresh lens on human behavior and the lengths some go to stay in the conversation.