A trait called “morbid curiosity” might explain why some people are attracted to violent music like death metal

Morbid curiosity — a psychological trait that may help people explore dangerous parts of life — might explain why certain people gravitate toward music like death metal and rap. A recent experiment found that high levels of morbid curiosity can predict enjoyment and consumption of violently-themed music. The findings were published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences. Music genres like death metal and violent rap continue to draw fans, despite lyrical themes of death, violence, and even torture. While some have expressed concern that the consumption of violently themed music ...