Big Think

Nathalie Pilon on January 23, 2008, 5:01 PM

But it seems that we tend to be more interested in people's foibles, misdeeds and tragedies than in each other's successes (I am not only referring to celebrities, but the people around us in general as well) Why is there so much "schadenfreude" going around?

Nathalie Pilon on January 23, 2008, 10:01 PM

But it seems that we tend to be more interested in people’s foibles, misdeeds and tragedies than in each other’s successes (I am not only referring to celebrities, but the people around us in general as well) Why is there so much “schadenfreude” going around?

Sweetest Joy on January 24, 2008, 11:44 PM

I agree somewhat with Thalie…. I think society, especially the mainstream media, has unfortunately tapped into a deeper (and darker) love of schadenfreude.

We love to witness every little step of someone's downfall these days; hence the meteoric rise of a whole new breed of paparazzi that follow obviously-troubled people day and night, and most disgustingly, why the term "death watch" is being used with a sort of reverential glee on primetime television news shows.

Sweetest Joy on January 25, 2008, 4:44 AM

I agree somewhat with Thalie…. I think society, especially the mainstream media, has unfortunately tapped into a deeper (and darker) love of schadenfreude.

We love to witness every little step of someone’s downfall these days; hence the meteoric rise of a whole new breed of paparazzi that follow obviously-troubled people day and night, and most disgustingly, why the term “death watch” is being used with a sort of reverential glee on primetime television news shows.

John Dundas on January 31, 2008, 7:40 PM

The question was about obsession which is truly unhealthy.

John Dundas on February 1, 2008, 12:40 AM

The question was about obsession which is truly unhealthy.

Chris Rieth on February 9, 2008, 4:38 PM

I think that people who have fulfilling relationships with other people wouldn't be as interested in the gossip columns nor would they want to put everything about themselves on Facebook and MySpace.

Chris Rieth on February 9, 2008, 9:38 PM

I think that people who have fulfilling relationships with other people wouldn’t be as interested in the gossip columns nor would they want to put everything about themselves on Facebook and MySpace.