Choose to be Curious
Ep. #155: Morbid Curiosity, with Coltan Scrivner
Oct 26, 2021
Coltan Scrivner, researcher investigating our fascination with the darker side of life, discusses morbid curiosity and its advantages. They explore the relationship between horror movies and pandemic resilience, the tension between learning about dangerous topics, and the correlation between horror media and cold-heartedness.
28:00
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Quick takeaways
- Engaging with horror movies can help individuals become more resilient in the face of uncertainty and anxiety, as it provides a way to deal with distress and develop positive resilience.
- Morbid curiosity involves a cognitive paradox where individuals are driven to learn about dangerous phenomena while also wanting to avoid them, and exploring this curiosity from a distance can help individuals better understand potential threats and be prepared to handle them.
Deep dives
Morbid curiosity and the benefits of engaging with scary fiction
Engaging with scary fiction, like horror movies, can help individuals deal with uncertainty and anxiety, making them more resilient in the face of a pandemic. Research conducted on the effects of horror movies during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed that people who frequently watched horror movies reported feeling less distressed and more positive resilience. They were better equipped to handle the uncertain and dangerous aspects of the pandemic. These findings challenge the notion that engagement with horror media makes individuals cold-hearted and suggests that it can actually have psychological benefits.
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