Psychology says most people only pretend to care about your life and are just looking for juicy gossip: Why bad news is more interesting for them

Although many people are capable of sincere empathy and genuine concern for others, psychological research suggests that human beings are naturally interested in what is happening in other people's lives. Sometimes that interest is driven by compassion and a desire to connect. In other instances, it may stem from social comparison, entertainment value or the pursuit of information that can enhance one's sense of influence or social standing.