Yes, seriously.

One thing I've noticed is that, if it weren't for gossip, a lot of people would never have occasion to discuss whatever moral standards they believe in.

Gossip is mostly how we tell other people what kind of behavior we disapprove of. If it weren't for gossip, they'd never know.

That's the main reason I'm ambivalent about gossip. It's the other side of the coin to the obvious fact that gossip is sometimes hurtful—especially if it's untrue. (But when it is true, doesn't the miscreant deserve to be gossiped about?)