Summary
Overview
Hidden Brain explores the paradox of why humans are drawn to horror, violence, and disturbing content despite claiming to value kindness and goodness. Psychologist Colton Scrivner explains how our fascination with scary stories stems from evolutionary 'morbid curiosity'—an adaptive trait that helps us learn about threats safely. Research reveals that horror fans are actually more empathetic and psychologically resilient, contradicting common stereotypes about people who consume dark media.
The Paradox of Horror Consumption
The episode opens with a fundamental contradiction: we believe consuming uplifting media makes us better people, yet bestsellers and box office hits are filled with violence, betrayal, and gore. This tension is particularly acute with horror movies designed to horrify rather than edify. The question becomes: if we want to be good people, why are we so drawn to tales of murder and mayhem?
- Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu's quote suggests our consumption shapes our destiny
- Bestsellers and popular movies feature people who lie, cheat, and betray rather than altruistic characters
- Horror movies deliberately use blood, gore, and screams to horrify audiences
" If we are what we consume, surely this does not bode well for us. "
Childhood Memories and Violence in Entertainment
Colton Scrivner shares how as a child, he remembered Indiana Jones movies not by their titles but by their most violent and scary scenes—the melting face, the beating heart pulled from a chest, the rats and snakes. This personal anecdote illustrates how dramatic violent imagery becomes the most memorable part of stories, even for children.
- Scrivner remembered Indiana Jones films by specific violent scenes rather than plot or title
- Temple of Doom was recalled as 'the one where he pulls his heart out of his chest'
- Violent and scary scenes create the strongest memories from films
📚 9 more sections below
Sign up to unlock the complete summary with all insights, key points, and quotes
Get this summary + all future Hidden Brain episodes in your inbox
100% Free • Unsubscribe Anytime
Sign up now and we'll send you the complete summary of this episode, plus get notified when new Hidden Brain episodes are released—delivered straight to your inbox within minutes.