Outrage Porn: What it is and why it's so addictive - NaPodPoMo 2024 - Day 3

In this episode of Outrage Science Bites, we dive deep into the world of outrage porn, exploring its definition, its pervasiveness in media, and the psychological reasons behind its addictive nature.  We discuss how media outlets exploit our emotions for profit, the role of certainty in fueling outrage, and the potential consequences of unchecked outrage.  We also touch on the potential for outrage to be a force for good when used deliberately and carefully.Key Takeaways:* Outrage porn is content designed to provoke moral outrage.* It's prevalent in political campaigns, news media, and social media.* Media outlets use fear and anger to drive clicks and shares.* Outrage porn is addictive because it taps into our desire to see our opponents fail and reinforces our own beliefs.* Certainty is a key ingredient in the addictive nature of outrage porn.* Outrage can be a force for good but can also be destructive if left unchecked.Expert Guests:* Katie Jones, an educator with experience in understanding and addressing diverse learning styles and challenges.* Peter Ditto, a professor of psychological science.* Ilana Redstone, a sociologist and expert on political polarization.* Kurt Gray, a professor in psychology and neuroscience who studies moral emotions.Conclusion:Outrage porn is a powerful and pervasive force in our media landscape. By understanding its mechanisms and our own vulnerabilities, we can become more aware of its influence and make more informed choices about the content we consume and share.Additional Resources:* Long Form Outrage Overload podcast Get full access to Outrage Overload Newsletter at outrageoverload.substack.com/subscribe