World’s Smartest Man Claims Higher IQs Lead to Greater Need for Gossip

Have you noticed your friends rolling their eyes when you mention Taylor and Travis during dinner? Do you find yourself in a constant battle over which show to watch with your partner, especially when all you want is to catch up on the lives of the Real Housewives?

Here’s some positive news: your craving for gossip could indicate a brilliant mind. According to Younghoon Kim, who boasts the highest recorded IQ in the world at an impressive 276, this notion holds weight. For context, the average IQ is around 100, while a score of 140 signifies genius status. Clearly, Kim is exceptionally intelligent and spends his time in academia. Interestingly, when he's not immersed in neuroscience, finance, or biomedical engineering, he enjoys scrolling through celebrity gossip while listening to K-Pop.

In a recent interview with Us Weekly's Editor in Chief Dan Wakeford, Kim shared how pop culture is vital for his mental health. "I love news and stories from the celebrity and entertainment worlds. They help alleviate my anxiety," he explained. He noted that many intellectually gifted individuals often struggle with their mental health. For Kim, celebrities are essential components of culture, providing entertainment through their fascinating lives. He views learning about them as an enriching artistic experience that offers both an escape and inspiration.

Despite his dedication to the sciences, Kim deeply appreciates creativity. He emphasizes that celebrities encourage innovative thinking and self-expression. "Their creativity motivates us to improve ourselves," he stated. Furthermore, pop culture continuously evolves, keeping individuals engaged. His appreciation extends to global K-Pop phenomenon BTS, and he identifies as a Swiftie, linking this to his broader understanding of US culture. Following gossip can enhance one’s global perspective.

This perspective is supported by recent research from Stanford and the University of Maryland, which reveals positive effects of gossip. The study found that spending around an hour daily discussing others can boost cooperative behavior. This could be valuable for those concerned about the influence of casual office chats on productivity, as informal conversations can foster teamwork.

According to Yuval Noah Harari's book, **Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind**, gossip is intrinsic to human social structures. As social beings, gossip plays a crucial role in our survival. Engaging in discussions about social dynamics informs us who to trust in pressing situations, such as knowing where to find danger. Those who avoid gossip risk exclusion from their social circles.

The podcast Sentimental Garbage explores the culture many hesitate to embrace. In an instance, journalist Elizabeth Day expressed her fascination with *The Real Housewives* franchise, while author Monica Heisey discussed *Love Actually*. Trivial topics like these highlight what captivates humans most, strengthening relationships that are vital to our survival. The podcast reinforces that emotional intelligence, fueled by relatable narratives in celebrity culture, holds significant value.

Even celebrities endorse gossip's merits. Actor Morgan Spector remarked on its importance for understanding others. He stated that discussing juicy tidbits offers unique insights into individuals' lives. "Talking about others provides joy; it's an underrated pleasure," he observed.

Yes, knowing every last detail of the Kardashian/Jenner clan may not lead to a Nobel Prize. However, there’s no reason to feel guilty about enjoying gossip. Reveling in the lives of public figures and the community can relieve life's pressures.

In a world riddled with stress—from financial challenges to current events—pop culture serves as an essential distraction. Whether through music, TV, or fashion, these elements provide inspiration and entertainment. If indulging in celebrity gossip is suitable for the world’s smartest man, it’s definitely valid for all of us.

Earlier, SSP wrote that Kaley Cuoco celebrated Christmas with Tom Pelphrey and her daughter Matilda.