Thanks @morbidpsych.bsky.social for always confirming that our love of scary films does NOT mean we're psychos. Read his new study in J Media Psych, finding "Enjoyment of Horror Media Is Not Related to Lower Empathy or Compassion." #horror
doi.org/10.1027/1864...
www.coltanscrivner.com/publications
The bizarre paradox of horror's appeal—we actually want to have disturbing and upsetting experiences—may have an evolutionary explanation. Athena Aktipis and @morbidpsych.bsky.social, er, unearth what recent research has to say: buff.ly/3QqXYte
The zombie apocalypse is a useful metaphor for disaster preparedness. So what can we learn?
"Halloween advice: Prepare for the zombie apocalypse," by Bulletin editors @erik-english.bsky.social and @gaulkin.bsky.social ⬇️
Zombies Love brains, and our brains love zombies. Here's why:
coltanscrivner.substack.com/p/zombies-lo...
Why are zombies so popular? A few thoughts:
coltanscrivner.substack.com/p/zombies-lo...
Map of medieval Oxford with a marker stating "playing football near the East Gate turns fatal".
Warning: a very, VERY addictive website detailing medieval homicides in London, Oxford and York - maps, stories, stats and all.
Such a beautifully executed (pun intended) project. medievalmurdermap.co.uk
💀🗡️🎓
Why do we find some things creepy? Find out in my chat with BBC Bitesize
www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/art...
New Substack:
open.substack.com/pub/paulbloo...
Great discussion about true crime at the Leeds International Festival of Ideas this weekend, featuring voices from science, journalism, law enforcement, acting, and personal experience.
PhD in behavioral biology here; I study the psychology behind our fascination with horror, true crime, and morbid curiosity. Currently affiliated with the Recreational Fear Lab at Aarhus University and the Psychology department at Arizona State University. Previously worked at Facebook as a UXR.