Why Do People Chew Gum?

I always wondered what was the lure of chewing gum.

Jaw exercise?   Bad taste in the Mouth?

I don’t know if this is true, as stuff I read on the Internet usual goes into my ‘pending’ tray.  However, this might make sense.

I read somewhere that chewing gum builds confidence.  That when a person is going to do something that makes them feel a bit vulnerable, they chew gum and feel in control.  If they are alone, they don’t feel isolated.

I don’t know.  It might be true.