Finding out that your best friend has a small penis might actually be beneficial to the way you perceive yourself.

Finding out that your best friend has a small penis might actually be beneficial to the way you perceive yourself, says a new study out of the Netherlands. Scientists discovered that hearing gossip triggers self-reflection, helping the listener evaluate themselves more accurately in comparison to others. When students in the study were prompted to recall positive or negative gossip about others, the positive gossip brought about a desire for self-improvement while negative gossip boosted listeners’ egos but also put them on guard. “Contrary to lay perceptions, gossip has an essential role in helping us know ourselves and adapt to our world,” said the study’s lead author. So next time you’re wondering whether Jenny’s a total slut, just ask yourself, “Am I a slut?”