Morbidly Curious Thoughts

The Beginnings of a New Theory of Fear

I’m constantly astonished at how little we truly understand very basic aspects of human nature.

Aug 1 • Coltan Scrivner

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June 2026

There are (at least) two paths to morbid curiosity

A new paper argues there might be up to 6 different kinds of morbidly curious people.

Jun 27 • Coltan Scrivner

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May 2026

Upright and Anxious

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

May 28 • Coltan Scrivner

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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

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March 2026

How Hollywood Can Make Horror TV Actually Work

The psychology of binge-worthy horror

Mar 20 • Coltan Scrivner

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Obscuracon is Coming To Eureka Springs

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

Mar 12 • Coltan Scrivner

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February 2026

An Architecture of Horror

Three Foundational Types of Vulnerability

Feb 21 • Coltan Scrivner

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January 2026

Engineering Fear

Protagonist Vulnerability and the Evolutionary Design of Horror

Jan 30 • Coltan Scrivner and Edgar Dubourg

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Is Morbid Curiosity about ambiguity?

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

Jan 11 • Coltan Scrivner

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Are Horror Fans Psychopaths?

The answer is more complicated than you might think

Jan 3 • Coltan Scrivner

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