Do you like scary movies, true crime podcasts, or violent sports? Research has shown that a major part of the attraction is their appeal to morbid curiosity.
Engaging with frightening media and the emotions it creates in a safe setting can help people alleviate anxiety and build psychological resilience. However, our recent research, published in the British Journal of Psychology, shows that a heightened interest in learning about threats can also lead people to be interested in less constructive types of stories: conspiracy theories.
