#984 - Colton Scrivner - Why We’re Drawn to Death, Crime, & Danger
In this Modern Wisdom episode, Colton Scrivner explores why humans are drawn to morbid subjects like death, violence, and dangerous individuals. He explains how morbid curiosity serves as an evolutionary mechanism that allows people to learn about threats from a safe distance, similar to how animals in nature observe predators. The discussion covers four main domains of morbid curiosity: violence, dangerous individuals, bodily harm, and the supernatural.
Scrivner presents research findings that challenge common assumptions about what drives morbid curiosity, noting that it correlates more with traits like rebelliousness and general curiosity rather than empathy or disgust sensitivity. The episode examines how different demographics engage with morbid content, from gender-specific interests to age-related patterns, and explores how horror and true crime media tap into these natural inclinations.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Aug 23, 2025 episode of the Modern Wisdom
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1-Page Summary
The Nature and Origins of Morbid Curiosity
Morbid curiosity serves as an innate drive that allows humans to learn about threats safely. Scrivner explains that this behavior parallels what we see in nature, such as when gazelles observe predators from a safe distance instead of immediately fleeing. Humans have evolved to satisfy this curiosity through stories and media rather than direct encounters with danger.
The Different Manifestations and Domains of Morbid Curiosity
Scrivner identifies four main domains of morbid curiosity: violence, dangerous individuals, bodily harm, and the supernatural. These domains encompass various human fascinations, from watching physical conflicts to understanding the minds of violent offenders. He suggests that this curiosity serves an evolutionary benefit by allowing people to gather crucial survival information without experiencing direct risks.
The Psychology and Individual Differences in Morbid Curiosity
Contrary to popular belief, Scrivner's research shows that morbid curiosity isn't predicted by traits like empathy levels or disgust sensitivity. Instead, it correlates more strongly with traits like psychopathic rebelliousness and general curiosity. Gender differences are notable: men tend to be more interested in violence, while women often focus more on understanding dangerous individuals' psychology. Additionally, younger people typically show higher levels of morbid curiosity, which tends to decline with age.
Examples and Effects of Morbid Curiosity in Media
Horror and true crime media tap into morbid curiosity by featuring vulnerable heroes facing formidable foes. Scrivner and Williamson discuss how filmmakers exploit cognitive biases to enhance emotional impact, such as the "monster enters left" technique, which takes advantage of our natural rightward attention drift. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Scrivner found that people who enjoyed horror and true crime showed better psychological resilience, suggesting these media might serve as coping mechanisms for real-world fears.
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Counterarguments
- The assumption that morbid curiosity is an innate drive could be challenged by cultural or social learning theories that suggest such interests are shaped by environmental factors rather than innate predispositions.
- The evolutionary benefit of morbid curiosity could be contested by arguing that in modern society, the types of threats we face are vastly different from ancestral environments, making the evolutionary argument less applicable.
- The correlation of morbid curiosity with traits like psychopathic rebelliousness might be too narrow, overlooking other psychological or social factors that could contribute to an individual's interest in morbid content.
- The gender differences in morbid curiosity could be criticized as being based on stereotypical or outdated views of gender roles and interests, and more nuanced research might reveal a more complex picture.
- The decline of morbid curiosity with age could be seen not just as a natural waning of interest but also as a result of increased responsibilities or changes in media consumption habits that come with age.
- The idea that horror and true crime media can serve as coping mechanisms might be overly simplistic, as such media can also exacerbate fears or lead to desensitization to violence for some individuals.
- The positive effects of horror and true crime media on psychological resilience could be questioned by pointing out that correlation does not imply causation, and other factors might contribute to resilience.
- The claim that filmmakers exploit cognitive biases could be criticized for implying a one-size-fits-all approach to media consumption, ignoring individual differences in perception and interpretation.
Actionables
- You can explore your own morbid curiosity by journaling your reactions to different genres of media. After watching a horror film or reading a true crime story, write down what intrigued you and how you felt. This self-reflection can help you understand your personal curiosity triggers and how they align with the four domains mentioned.
- Create a personal "fear-facing" playlist of movies and books that challenge your comfort zone. Start with less intense media and gradually increase the intensity to build psychological resilience. Monitor how your reactions change over time and note if you feel more equipped to handle real-world fears.
- Engage in virtual reality experiences that simulate the four domains of morbid curiosity. VR technology can provide a safe environment to encounter these scenarios without real-world risks. Reflect on these experiences to gauge your curiosity levels and emotional responses, potentially uncovering new insights into your personal traits and resilience.
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The Nature and Origins of Morbid Curiosity
The concept of morbid curiosity is examined as both an instinctual behavior and an unexpected area of fascination for many who study its psychological underpinnings.
Morbid Curiosity: An Innate Drive to Learn About Threats
Scrivner points out that morbid curiosity is an innate drive that affords a safer way to learn about dangers.
Instinct to Monitor Dangers to Avoid Harm
Morbid curiosity parallels behaviors observed in non-human animals, such as gazelles, which sometimes observe predators like cheetahs rather than fleeing immediately. This behavior is particularly noted in adolescent gazelles, those in large groups, or those farther away from the cheetah. The gazelles do this to conserve energy, as it would not be resource-efficient for them to run away every time they see a predator.
Gaining Threat Awareness Via Stories or Media Offers Risk-Free Insights Over Direct Experience
Humans have evolved to satisfy this curiosity in a risk-free manner via stories or media, rather than through direct and potentially dangerous encounters. Scrivner suggests that evolution has fostered curiosity, especially when we are not in immediate danger, as a means of learning about potential threats without getting injured. This behavior embodies the push and pull between the instinct to avoid danger and the need to gain knowledge from a safe distance to better prepare for future threats.
Unexpected Development of Curiosity in Macabre Subjects
Scrivner discusses his own professional development, showing that fascination with morbid topics can arise later in life, even among those who followed completely different academic paths initially.
Many Pursued Varied Paths Before Finding a Fascination With Fear and Threat Perception Psychology
Colton Scrivner reveals that bef ...
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The Nature and Origins of Morbid Curiosity
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Morbid curiosity may not be solely an innate drive but could also be influenced by cultural and social factors that shape individual interests and behaviors.
- The assumption that humans have evolved to satisfy curiosity through stories or media could be challenged by the argument that this behavior is also a product of modern society and access to technology, rather than an evolutionary development.
- While observing dangers is a behavior seen in animals, it's not universally applicable; some species have different survival strategies that do not involve monitoring threats.
- The development of curiosity in macabre subjects could be influenced by personal experiences or exposure to certain environments, rather than being an entirely unexpected development.
- The paths to a fascination with fear and threat perception psychology mig ...
Actionables
- You can explore your innate curiosity by keeping a "curiosity journal" where you note down instances that trigger your morbid curiosity and reflect on what insights you gain from them. This could be as simple as jotting down thoughts after watching a thriller movie or reading a news article about a survival story. The act of writing helps you understand your reactions and the protective insights you subconsciously seek.
- Engage in controlled exposure to challenging content through virtual reality experiences that simulate threatening situations. By doing so, you can observe your reactions and coping mechanisms in a safe environment. For example, VR games that simulate heights or spooky scenarios can provide insights into your fear responses without any real-world risk.
- Start a book club or dis ...
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The Different Manifestations and Domains of Morbid Curiosity
Colton Scrivner delves into the various aspects of morbid curiosity, exploring the different domains and their underlying psychological roots, suggesting that humans are inherently drawn to learn about threats and dangers from a safe distance.
Four Domains of Morbid Curiosity: Violence, Dangerous Individuals, Bodily Harm, and the Supernatural
Scrivner categorizes morbid curiosity into four domains that encompass a wide range of human fascinations with the macabre.
Interest In Witnessing or Learning About Physical Conflicts and Aggression
Violence, as the first domain of morbid curiosity, is seen in Scrivner’s example of cats exhibiting predatory or prey behavior even when paralyzed in sleep. This suggests an innate interest in physical conflict. Games that children play, and the propensity for people to watch regulated or unregulated violent confrontations, like UFC matches or street fights, also reflect this domain.
Dangerous Individuals: Fascination With the Minds and Motivations of Violent Offenders
Scrivner touches upon the fascination with dangerous individuals, like the interest women show in true crime stories or notorious criminals like Ted Bundy. This appeal might stem from a desire to understand the motivations of those who commit acts of violence, especially those types of violence that women are statistically more likely to encounter.
Curiosity About Effects of Violent Encounters on Body
The third domain Scrivner discusses is the interest in bodily harm and injuries. He posits that understanding injuries is crucial for gauging the level of threat in one's surroundings as well as for medical reasons.
Interest in Mysterious, Potentially Threatening Supernatural/Paranormal Phenomena Not Fully Understood
The final domain revolves around the unknown and potentially hazardous, such as the supernatural. Despite not believing in ghosts, Scrivner acknowledges the allure of the supernatural, which can be linked to the uncertainty and danger associated with things that are not fully understood, like encountering someone suspicious in real life or questioning the nature of zombies.
Roots of Morbid Curiosity: Gathering Inform ...
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The Different Manifestations and Domains of Morbid Curiosity
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Counterarguments
- The categorization of morbid curiosity into four domains might be overly simplistic and not account for the complexity and diversity of human interests and psychological motivations.
- The assumption that the fascination with dangerous individuals is primarily driven by a desire to understand motivations could be challenged by alternative explanations, such as the thrill of fear or the entertainment value of storytelling.
- The link between morbid curiosity and evolutionary benefits could be seen as speculative, as it is difficult to empirically prove that such curiosity has a direct survival advantage.
- The idea that learning about threats from a distance is always beneficial might be countered by arguments that such exposure could lead to unnecessary fear or paranoia.
- The role of dreams in rehearsing responses to threats is ...
Actionables
- You can explore your own morbid curiosity by journaling your reactions to various media. After watching a true crime documentary or reading about paranormal events, write down what you felt, what intrigued you, and what you learned. This self-reflection can help you understand how you process information about threats and the unknown, potentially enhancing your ability to handle fear or anxiety.
- Start a virtual book club focused on mystery or true crime genres to safely engage with threatening concepts. By discussing these topics with others, you can gain insights into different perspectives on danger and morality, which can broaden your understanding of human behavior and societal norms.
- Create a personal "t ...
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The Psychology and Individual Differences in Morbid Curiosity
Colton Scrivner's research delves deep into the phenomenon of morbid curiosity, parsing out its connections with empathy, disgust, and personality traits as well as how it varies across gender and age.
Morbid Curiosity Isn't Predicted by Traits Like Disgust Sensitivity or Empathy
Morbid Curiosity Unrelated to Lower Empathy or Compassion
Scrivner discusses a study he conducted regarding the relationship between empathy levels and interest in horror films, finding no connection between empathy levels in horror fans or those who dislike horror. Horror fans were often rated as less empathetic and compassionate based on their favored genre, which contradicted Scrivner's findings – that enjoyment of horror may arise because of the viewer's empathy, not in spite of it.
Furthermore, Scrivner distinguishes that in rare cases, such as with cold serial killers like Jeffrey Dahmer, the interest in violent content might stem from a place of vicarious experience of violent urges—not empathy but as a learning mechanism.
Disgust Sensitivity Doesn't Fully Explain why People Are More Curious About Injuries Than Diseases
Scrivner's research refutes the assumption that disgust sensitivity is strongly correlated with morbid curiosity, particularly toward bodily injuries. While it plays a role, disgust sensitivity only explained about 10% of the variance in morbid curiosity. Scrivner found that people are generally more curious about non-infectious injuries and can handle reading about certain morbid topics where their own imagination controls the graphic details.
Personality Factors Linked To Morbid Curiosity
Psychopathic Rebelliousness Is Highly Correlated With Morbid Curiosity
Psychopathy, specifically the rebelliousness subcomponent, was one of the most substantial predictors of morbid curiosity.
High General Curiosity Linked To Morbid Curiosity
Scrivner also found that general curiosity was positively correlated with morbid curiosity, albeit the correlation was small. This supports the notion that a generally curious individual might also be drawn to learn about threats and dangers.
Gender and Age Differences in Morbid Curiosity ...
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The Psychology and Individual Differences in Morbid Curiosity
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Clarifications
- Empathy levels and interest in horror films are not directly correlated; enjoying horror films does not necessarily indicate lower empathy. Some studies suggest that empathy might actually enhance the enjoyment of horror movies for some viewers. The relationship between empathy and interest in horror is complex and can vary among individuals based on personal preferences and psychological factors. Enjoying horror films does not inherently mean a lack of empathy; individuals can appreciate the genre for various reasons beyond desensitization or a lack of compassion.
- Psychopathic rebelliousness is a trait associated with psychopathy where individuals exhibit defiance, nonconformity, and a disregard for rules and authority. It reflects a rebellious and antisocial aspect of psychopathic behavior, often characterized by a lack of empathy and impulsivity. This trait can manifest as a tendency to challenge norms, engage in risky behaviors, and show a general disregard for societal expectations. In the context of morbid curiosity, psychopathic rebelliousness is linked to a heightened interest in dark or taboo subjects due to the thrill of transgression and exploration of forbidden territories.
- General curiosity is positively linked to morbid curiosity, indicating that individuals with a higher overall curiosity tend to also exhibit a greater interest in morbid topics. This suggests that those who are naturally inclined to seek out new information and experiences are more likely to explore morbid subjects as part of their broader curiosity. The correlation, although present, is not overwhelmingly strong, implying that while general curiosity plays a role in driving morbid curiosity, it is just one of several factors influencing this trait. This connection underscores how a disposition towards seeking knowledge and novelty can extend to exploring darker or more unsettling aspects of human experience.
- Men tend to be more interested in violent content, possibly driven by factors like competition or protection. Women, on the oth ...
Counterarguments
- While Scrivner's research suggests that morbid curiosity is not predicted by traits like disgust sensitivity or empathy, other studies may find different results due to variations in methodology, sample size, or cultural factors.
- The lack of a relationship between interest in horror films and lower empathy or compassion could be context-dependent, and other research might reveal that certain types of horror content do correlate with empathy levels in specific populations.
- The idea that enjoyment of horror arises from empathy could be challenged by studies that take into account different types of empathy, such as cognitive versus affective empathy, which may have distinct relationships with horror enjoyment.
- The assertion that psychopathic rebelliousness is highly correlated with morbid curiosity could be nuanced by considering other facets of psychopathy, such as superficial charm or manipulativeness, which might also play a role.
- The positive correlation between general curiosity and morbid curiosity might be more complex, with other factors like intelligence, education, or socio-economic status influencing this relationship.
- Gender differences in morbid curiosity, with men preferring violence and women e ...
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Examples and Effects of Morbid Curiosity in Media
Media experts Scrivner and Williamson discuss the role of morbid curiosity in driving the popularity of horror and true crime genres and how techniques like "monster enters left" exploit cognitive biases to elicit strong emotional reactions.
Morbid Curiosity Fuels Horror and True Crime Media's Popularity
In contemporary media, morbid curiosity not only sustains but propels the popularity of certain genres such as horror and true crime.
Horror Films Feature a Vulnerable Hero Confronting a Formidable Foe, Tapping Into Morbid Curiosity
Scrivner defines the horror genre's key elements as films often featuring a potent antagonist and a vulnerable protagonist. This combination creates unique scenarios where underdog protagonists struggle to survive against formidable foes, which is believed to attract individuals with high levels of morbid curiosity.
True Crime Stories Help Understand Threats Indirectly
Scrivner also highlights that true crime stories allow audiences to indirectly learn about the precursors to dangerous events and escape tactics. Williamson and Scrivner reason that an individual’s fascination with true crime could reconcile with an intense fear of real-world threats, like COVID-19, providing a risk-free way of exploring these fears. During the pandemic, Scrivner’s study suggested that individuals more interested in true crime and horror may have better coping mechanisms, feeling less anxious and exhibiting more psychological resilience than those less drawn to such content.
Zombie Tales Engage Multiple Domains of Morbid Curiosity
Zombies play a significant role in media by tapping into multiple domains of morbid curiosity.
Zombies: A Dangerously Fascinating Supernatural Threat
While Scrivner does not directly label zombies as multifaceted curiosities within the transcript, their frequent inclusion in the context of horror suggests their role in engaging morbid curiosity. Zombies are described as fascinatingly dangerous supernatural threats, not only because of their human-like appearance and violent tendencies but also because they blur the lines between life and death.
Techniques Like "Monster Enters Left" Exploit Cognitive Biases To Elicit Emotions and Curiosity
Filmmakers leverage cognitive biases to increase the emotional impact of horror scenes by using certain techniques.
Maximizing Impact: Surprise From the Left Aligns With Rightward Attention Dri ...
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Examples and Effects of Morbid Curiosity in Media
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Cognitive biases in media consumption relate to how our brains process information in ways that can lead to systematic deviations from rationality, affecting our decision-making and perceptions of media content. These biases can influence what content we are drawn to, how we interpret media messages, and our emotional responses to media stimuli. Filmmakers often exploit these biases to create engaging and impactful experiences for viewers, such as using techniques like "monster enters left" to trigger specific cognitive responses and enhance emotional reactions. Understanding these biases can provide insights into why certain media genres, like horror and true crime, are particularly appealing to audiences.
- Morbid curiosity is a fascination with dark or disturbing subjects. In media, it drives interest in horror and true crime genres by appealing to people's intrigue with the macabre and unknown. This curiosity compels audiences to seek out content that explores themes of fear, danger, and the darker aspects of human nature. The popularity of these genres stems from the way they tap into this innate curiosity and provide a safe outlet for exploring these intense emotions and scenarios.
- The "monster enters left" technique in cinematography is a method used to create surprise and fear in viewers by strategically introducing a scary element from the left side of the screen. This technique takes advantage of how our brains naturally pay more attention to the right side, leading to a heightened emotional response when something unexpected appears from the left. By exploiting this cognitive bias, filmmakers can enhance the impact of horror scenes and jump scares, keeping audiences engaged and on edge. This technique is a deliberate manipulation of viewers' attention and cognitive processes to maximize the effectiveness of frightening moments in movies.
- Cognitive asymmetry in the context of viewer reactions involves the brain's tendency to process information differently between its hemispheres. In filmmaking, leveraging this asymmetry can enhance emotional responses by strategically introducing surprises from the left side to engage the more emotionally reactive right hemisphere. This technique exploits the brain's natural attentional drift towards the right, making unexpected stimuli from the left more impactful and effective in eliciting reactions like jump scares. Understanding and utilizing this cognitive bias can heighten the viewer's engagement and emotional experience during cinematic storytelling.
- Pseudo-neglect ...
Counterarguments
- While morbid curiosity may contribute to the popularity of horror and true crime, other factors such as social commentary, catharsis, and the thrill of suspense also play significant roles.
- The assertion that horror films primarily attract individuals with high levels of morbid curiosity could be too narrow, as these films can appeal to viewers for their artistic value, special effects, or storytelling.
- The idea that true crime stories provide a risk-free way to explore fears might be overly simplistic, as these stories can sometimes lead to increased fear, anxiety, or even desensitization to violence in some individuals.
- The suggestion that an interest in true crime and horror is linked to better coping mechanisms could be correlational rather than causal, and other factors might contribute to psychological resilience.
- The engagement of zombies with multiple domains of morbid curiosity does not account for the cultural and historical contexts that also contribute to their popularity.
- The effectiveness of the ...
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