The science of rubbernecking: The real reason we can't look away from a car crash

Our morbid curiosity explained

Published October 8, 2014 2:51PM (EDT)

   (Reuters/Larry Papke)
(Reuters/Larry Papke)

Have you ever felt the discomfort of feelings simultaneously curious about something macabre and guilty for that interest? Maybe you were fascinated with missing Malaysia Flight MH370, or you can't turn away from a car accident.

"We are paradoxically drawn towards some pretty repulsive things: car accidents, car chases, the possibility of a crash or a fight or a natural disaster -- not one that hurts anyone of course -- but one that's exciting," Michael Stevens explains in his latest Vsauce video. "Celebrity scandal, drama, disfiguration, true crime, war and gore -- the macabre."

"We often find uncertainty more unpleasant than unpleasant certainty," Stevens explains. "At least if we look, we know."

But why? Why do we have this morbid curiosity? Well it's because we like to S.C.R.E.A.M.:

Vsauce explores; watch below:

h/t Gizmodo


By Sarah Gray

Sarah Gray is an assistant editor at Salon, focusing on innovation. Follow @sarahhhgray or email sgray@salon.com.

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Biology Brain Curiosity Humans Morbid Science Video