

The Science of Morbid Curiosity & The Dirty Secrets of Clean Energy
14 snips Oct 20, 2025
Colton Scrivener, a behavioral scientist and horror entertainment producer, delves into why we are morbidly curious, exploring how this fascination with danger helps us learn in a safe context. He reveals the psychology behind our attraction to horror and true crime. Meanwhile, Ernest Scheyder, a Reuters senior correspondent, exposes the hidden ecological costs of so-called clean energy, detailing the mining of critical minerals like lithium and copper. He discusses the environmental impact of these essential materials for modern technology, challenging perceptions of 'clean' energy.
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Pick Up The Phone To Connect
- Call people when you want to strengthen a connection because voice contact builds closeness faster than email or text.
- Overcome anticipated awkwardness: phone calls feel less uncomfortable than people predict and produce stronger bonds.
Curiosity Helps You Learn About Danger
- Morbid curiosity evolved to inspect threats: we learn about danger from a safe distance.
- Humans extend this by using stories to simulate risk without real exposure.
Looking At A Wreck Feels Like Learning
- Mike describes driving past a flipped car and feeling both pity and relief that it wasn't him.
- Colton says such car-wreck gazing is common because people seek safe lessons about driving risks.