Definition
We feel morbid curiosity when grim or disturbing things tempt us to look, despite discomfort.
>> Why We Have This Emotion
Studying threats and mortality can build hazard knowledge, improve prediction, and rehearse responses; yet overexposure can numb empathy or increase anxiety.
◈ How It Shows Up
“How bad is it?”Clicks the grim detailsNose scrunch, still peersLearning urge overridesUneasy, yet keeps reading
◎ What to do in the moment
Good Ideas
- Focus on the safety lessons
- “Will this help me help others?”
- “What do I actually want to learn?”
- Educational sources, not shock clips
- Read one expert article, then stop
- Balance with something uplifting
- Prefer text to graphic images
Bad Ideas
- Ignore your own distress
- Binge-watch violence or accidents
- Gawk at victims for entertainment
- Mock or dehumanize those involved
- Force others to see what you've seen
- Seek ever darker feeds of content
- Use grim content to “feel something”