Morbidly Curious Thoughts

Upright and Anxious

Musings on bipedalism, forward-facing eyes, and conspiracy theories

May 28 • Coltan Scrivner

3

The Many Paths to a Psychopath

When we think of psychopathy, we tend to think of a “prototypical psychopath.” We imagine someone who cold, uncaring, unafraid, and manipulative.

May 12 • Coltan Scrivner

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April 2026

The Human Appetite for Aggression

Contrary to common beliefs, this subtype of aggression is not limited to a deviant minority

Apr 24 • Coltan Scrivner

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Some Musings on Screams

Human screams may broadcast extreme vulnerability rather than fear.

Apr 4 • Coltan Scrivner

4

March 2026

How Hollywood Can Make Horror TV Actually Work

The psychology of binge-worthy horror

Mar 20 • Coltan Scrivner

3

Obscuracon is Coming To Eureka Springs

I’ve always been interested in weird, fringe ideas.

Mar 12 • Coltan Scrivner

February 2026

An Architecture of Horror

Three Foundational Types of Vulnerability

Feb 21 • Coltan Scrivner

3

January 2026

Engineering Fear

Protagonist Vulnerability and the Evolutionary Design of Horror

Jan 30 • Coltan Scrivner and Edgar Dubourg

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1

Is Morbid Curiosity about ambiguity?

A new paper argues that it is. I’m not too convinced.

Jan 11 • Coltan Scrivner

6

1

Are Horror Fans Psychopaths?

The answer is more complicated than you might think

Jan 3 • Coltan Scrivner

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December 2025

What is a horror story about?

Before we start, let’s take a poll: What defines a horror story?

Dec 1, 2025 • Coltan Scrivner

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4

November 2025

How Ordinary Minds Become Capable of Real Horror

Psychopathy as facultative threat management

Nov 16, 2025 • Coltan Scrivner

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