It is difficult to understand it. Forget about engaging in it.
I have become aware of it recently. I remember zoning out since getting sick.
Small talk/gossip gets so annoying I happen to unintentionally tune out of in. Then person in front of me might go on telling something important or what they think is.
This is what is annoying for me about social situations. But small talk happens to be intrinsic part of those situations.