Murder Mystery

The peculiar human fascination with violent and dark media has deep roots in evolutionary and psychological behaviors well observed in animals and in our own responses to stories and threats.

Humans Are Drawn To Violent, Dangerous, and Macabre Stories Despite Valuing Kindness and Morality

Vedantam highlights a contradiction that, despite our intentions to lead good and virtuous lives, we are inexplicably drawn to stories replete with violence and immoral acts. This is evident in the popularity of horror movies and dark fiction that are designed to terrify rather than teach.

"Morbid Curiosity" Has Roots in "Predator Inspection" Behaviors of Prey Animals

Scrivner defines "morbid curiosity" as a non-pathological interest in potential dangers. This type of curiosity is reminiscent of "predator inspection" behaviors observed in prey animals. Gazelles and zebras, for example, learn about their predators' habits; this inspection saves energy which is essential for survival.

Gazelles, Zebras Learn About Predators; Humans Use Stories, Media to Learn About Threats

Charles Darwin noted an intense interest among monkeys in dangerous creatures, such as snakes. When presented with a snake in a bag, they cautiously inspected it, demonstrating a seemingly human-like curiosity. Similarly, humans are riveted by stories of disease, destruction, and deviance, using this mode to understand threats indirectly.

Fictional Violence and Horror Offer a Safe Understanding of Threats Without Real Danger

Fictional representations of violence and macabre scenarios enable people to explore these fears in a protected setting. This inspection aligns with the evolutionary logic seen in animals. Through media, humans safely experience and learn about danger without facing actual harm.

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In light of traumatic events such as campus crimes or pandemics, Shankar Vedantam and Coltan Scrivner explore people's inclination towards media containing similar threats.

After Trauma Like Campus Crimes or Pandemics, People Seek Media With Similar Threats

"Morbid Curiosity" Aids Learning and Preparation Through Fictional Threat Depictions

Shankar Vedantam explains that research shows a spike in interest in scary entertainment aftermath of frightening real-life events. In 2020, during the COVID pandemic, for instance, the film "Contagion," which portrays a global pandemic and its social fallout, saw a dramatic surge in interest as people globally were grappling with their own pandemic reality.

Coltan Scrivner notes that during the anxiety and uncertainty of the COVID pandemic, people turned to "Contagion" to learn about pandemics and their societal response, since the movie provided a clear narrative in contrast to the fragmented and developing scientific understanding of the time. He further explains the phenomenon as “morbid curiosity,” aiding in learning and preparation for potential future threats through depictions in fiction.

Residents Near Crime Site More Likely to Choose Violent Film As "Reward."

Scrivner cites a study from the 1970s where following an incident of interpersonal violence on a college campus, students were observed choosing to see a violent movie, suggesting a morbidly curious behavior to educate themselves about such threats. Scrivner also points out that at the University of Wisconsin, after a murder on their campus, students were more inclined to select a scary film as a reward. Specifically, the students who lived closer to the dorm where the crime happened were likelier to watch Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood," highlighting a tendency to seek out violent films in response to proximity to real-life violence.

Popular Media Genres Like Horror Films, True Crime Podcasts, and Violent Video Games Thrive Despite Societal Stigmatization

Enduring Popularity of These Genres Shows Human Tendency to Be Drawn To Violence and Danger, Even While We Denounce Such Content

The continued popularity of genres like horror films, true crime podcasts, and violent video games demo ...

Colton Scrivner, a researcher who authored the book "Morbidly Curious," exposes the often misunderstood world of horror media and its enthusiasts by highlighting the psychological advantages of consuming such content.

Research: Horror Fans Are as Empathetic and Kind as Others

Scrivner's research has debunked the myth that fans of horror and dark media are less empathetic or kind than others.

Studies Show Horror Fans Have Higher "Cognitive Empathy," Aiding Their Perspective-Taking of Fictional Victims and Protagonists

Engaging with a fictional story about someone else's plight requires viewers to imagine themselves in the shoes of the characters, which is a form of cognitive empathy. Scrivner's study on empathy in horror fans found that they possess empathy levels similar to those of non-horror fans. Fans of paranormal horror exhibited particularly high cognitive empathy, indicating adept perspective-taking.

Horror-Themed Restaurant Patrons Often Choose Vegetarian/Vegan Options, Showing Compassion

In an interesting twist, horror-themed restaurants often boast a significant selection of vegan or vegetarian options. This trend suggests that horror fans may choose these dietary options out of compassion and ethical considerations, further dispelling the stereotype that they lack empathy.

Engaging With Scary Media Can Enhance Resilience and Optimize Stress Responses in Real-World Threats

Engaging with threatening scenarios in a fictional context can condition people to handle real-life crises more optimally.

Horror and Dark Media Consumers Experience Less Distress and More Optimism During Crises

Scrivner's examination reveals that fans of horror may be better equipped to face real threats. Such individuals often show less distress during unsettling situations like pandemics, with reduced symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, and depression.

Experiencing Threat ...

Public fear that individuals who enjoy dark and violent content may harbor unsavory qualities is addressed and dispelled through research and expert opinion.

Perceptions of Dark or Violent Media Consumers As Corrupt or Dangerous Are Unfounded

Despite historical disdain from critics such as Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel toward fans of gory horror films, where they implicated a moral depravity, research currently finds no link between enjoying dark media and a lack of empathy or kindness.

Critics Historically Disdain Fans of Gory Horror Films, Casting Aspersions On Their Character

Film critics, including Roger Ebert, have often reflected a common stigma about fans of dark or violent media. Ebert demonstrated significant outrage over the content of super-gory horror movies and appeared to pass negative judgment on those who watch them. This sentiment was mirrored by a critic from the New York Post who went as far as to label fans of the "Saw" movie series as "depraved lunatics" suggesting they should be kept away from animals and other living beings.

Research Finds No Link Between Enjoying Dark Media and Lacking Empathy or Kindness

Colton Scrivner, introducing the concept of "morbid curiosity," scrutinized these attitudes by conducting a study. He found no empirical evidence to support the notion that horror fans are lower in empathy. His research indicated societal bias against horror fans but did not validate any actual connection between the enjoyment of horror movies and a lack of empathy or kindness. In fact, it was sometimes found that horror fans were the opposite of what critics expected.

Stigma Around Enjoying Dark or Violent Media Stems From Misunderstanding Their Psychological Benefits

The idea that fans of dark media are deprived or deviant lacks understanding of the psychological benefits that can stem from this genre.

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