4 views
Murder Porn and the Taste for Tragedy
Why do we gravitate towards the most disturbing news stories, and what drives our fascination with violence when it doesn't affect us directly?
In the realm of storytelling, whether real or fictional, humans are drawn to tragedy, like drivers slowing down at a car accident, fixated on the wreckage as they pass by. The surge in true crime TV shows suggests some psychological reward in consuming violent content—some hidden satisfaction. It's almost as if violence has become a form of pornography, particularly for the middle-aged and older demographics.
Both violent and pornographic content can trigger dopamine release in the brain, creating pleasurable sensations, not unlike the rush from a drug or receiving a "Like" on social media. Consequently, they have the potential to become addictive, desensitizing individuals and distorting their perception of real-life consequences and relationships.
However, the human desire to live vicariously through violence isn't entirely negative. It can serve as a safe outlet for pent-up emotions and offer a means to process anger or aggression. It also satisfies our curiosity about the darker facets of human behavior and society.
There are also a few people who watch violent scenes to empathize with victims or connect with the world's challenges. The danger lies not only in excessive consumption but in our inability to acknowledge the pleasure we derive from it, even to ourselves.
For example, a friend asks, “What did you think of the murder on TV last night?”
You answer, “Oh, it was terrible! So disgusting, I couldn’t even watch it.”
They then ask, “Oh, so you didn’t watch the whole show?”
You reply, “Of course I did!”
This phenomenon isn't limited to violent TV shows for middle-aged women; it's a fundamental aspect of human nature to be drawn to the misfortunes of others. Consider a scenario while walking your dog: a sudden, screeching noise in the distance halts your stroll, capturing both you and your dog's attention. Though your dog might not comprehend the situation, you, familiar with such sounds, await the impending conclusion with anticipation. The squeal of car tires momentarily freezes the world as you await the impending crash.
However, when that anticipated crash fails to materialize, we're left with unfulfilled closure. It's much like hearing a TV advertisement jingle but with the last few notes or words missing. We remain unsatisfied until we hear that final, concluding moment. While awaiting a car crash that never occurred, we unknowingly harbor a feeling that the noise was reserved for us.
We often hold a naive and gullible belief that humans are inherently good, motivated solely by love. Yet, when chaos erupts, and survival instincts kick in, we can do whatever it takes to eliminate threats to our survival.
We, in a way, feast on the tragedies of others as if some sort of morbid lottery governs our lives. We find perverse pleasure in knowing that it's them and not us, granting us another day of life.
So, when you do finally hear that long-anticipated crash, don’t feel guilty when you find yourself wearing a smile.
© WaKeUpWoRLD
In the realm of storytelling, whether real or fictional, humans are drawn to tragedy, like drivers slowing down at a car accident, fixated on the wreckage as they pass by. The surge in true crime TV shows suggests some psychological reward in consuming violent content—some hidden satisfaction. It's almost as if violence has become a form of pornography, particularly for the middle-aged and older demographics.
Both violent and pornographic content can trigger dopamine release in the brain, creating pleasurable sensations, not unlike the rush from a drug or receiving a "Like" on social media. Consequently, they have the potential to become addictive, desensitizing individuals and distorting their perception of real-life consequences and relationships.
However, the human desire to live vicariously through violence isn't entirely negative. It can serve as a safe outlet for pent-up emotions and offer a means to process anger or aggression. It also satisfies our curiosity about the darker facets of human behavior and society.
There are also a few people who watch violent scenes to empathize with victims or connect with the world's challenges. The danger lies not only in excessive consumption but in our inability to acknowledge the pleasure we derive from it, even to ourselves.
For example, a friend asks, “What did you think of the murder on TV last night?”
You answer, “Oh, it was terrible! So disgusting, I couldn’t even watch it.”
They then ask, “Oh, so you didn’t watch the whole show?”
You reply, “Of course I did!”
This phenomenon isn't limited to violent TV shows for middle-aged women; it's a fundamental aspect of human nature to be drawn to the misfortunes of others. Consider a scenario while walking your dog: a sudden, screeching noise in the distance halts your stroll, capturing both you and your dog's attention. Though your dog might not comprehend the situation, you, familiar with such sounds, await the impending conclusion with anticipation. The squeal of car tires momentarily freezes the world as you await the impending crash.
However, when that anticipated crash fails to materialize, we're left with unfulfilled closure. It's much like hearing a TV advertisement jingle but with the last few notes or words missing. We remain unsatisfied until we hear that final, concluding moment. While awaiting a car crash that never occurred, we unknowingly harbor a feeling that the noise was reserved for us.
We often hold a naive and gullible belief that humans are inherently good, motivated solely by love. Yet, when chaos erupts, and survival instincts kick in, we can do whatever it takes to eliminate threats to our survival.
We, in a way, feast on the tragedies of others as if some sort of morbid lottery governs our lives. We find perverse pleasure in knowing that it's them and not us, granting us another day of life.
So, when you do finally hear that long-anticipated crash, don’t feel guilty when you find yourself wearing a smile.
© WaKeUpWoRLD
