A Theory: Morbid Curiosity in Online Entertainment

Morbid curiosity is a term used to describe the human tendency to be drawn to dark or disturbing content, such as violence or tragedy. This curiosity can manifest in many ways, including in the entertainment industry, where it has the potential to steer the industry towards an ethical dilemma.

The internet is often referred to as a marketplace of ideas, where anyone can share their thoughts, opinions, and creations with the world. This is a truly remarkable thing, and it has opened up endless possibilities for communication and collaboration.However, like any marketplace, the internet is subject to the forces of supply and demand. When there is a high demand for certain types of content, creators may be tempted to produce more of it in order to meet that demand. This can lead to a kind of inflation, where the market is flooded with similar content, and creators have to come up with more and more extreme or shocking content in order to stand out.

One example of this can be seen in the world of streaming on platforms such as Twitch.tv, where streamers often push the boundaries of what is acceptable in order to gain more viewers and earn more money. This can lead to streamers engaging in behavior that is unethical or even illegal, such as streaming while driving or exposing personal information about others without their consent.

This pursuit of monitary gain through morbid curiosity is unethical, as it can harm both the individuals involved and the wider community. In some cases, it can even lead to infamy, where a person becomes notorious for their actions rather than being known for their talents or achievements. Imagine a person standing on the edge of a cliff, precariously balanced with one foot on solid ground and the other hanging over the edge. This person is like a streamer on a platform like Twitch.tv, dancing on the edge of the terms of service and risking getting banned.Just like the person on the cliff, the streamer is getting the most attention by pushing the boundaries and testing the limits. They are drawing in viewers and earning money by skirting the rules and flirting with danger.But just like the person on the cliff, the streamer is also at risk of falling.

One misstep or mistake could lead to a ban, ending their career and costing them their livelihood. The temptation of the money and attention may be strong, but the consequences of falling off the cliff are severe.In this metaphor, the cliff represents the terms of service and the rules of the streaming platform, and the person on the edge represents the streamer who is risking everything to gain attention and monitary gain. It is a precarious and dangerous situation, and one that requires careful balance and consideration.

As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, it will be important for both creators and consumers to consider the ethical implications of their choices and to strive for a more responsible and humane approach to entertainment.