Regarding gossip -- I think these are not the same structure. While gossip will start by sharing a story, the way it strengthens social bonds, and the reason it

Regarding gossip -- I think these are not the same structure. While gossip will start by sharing a story, the way it strengthens social bonds, and the reason it can be so hurtful, is that it centers on a shared reaction. "We're both condescending and amused by this embarrassing story about someone else! We're very similar in our reaction so our bond is deepening!" The same can happen in a positive way, like when two people gush at each other in appreciation of something they've discovered they both enjoy. In particular, it's not just sharing updates about 3rd parties in a neutral way and without knowledge of whether the other person is has the same evaluative view. Sharing such an update with a person whom you know to have a very different view of the subject than you do is generally going to feel like a different kind of social interaction.