What Draws Us to the Dark Side?
We've all heard the phrase \"guilty pleasure\" before. It's something we enjoy, but know we probably shouldn't. We might be ashamed to admit it, but we secretly love something that others would consider terrible. This could be a terrible movie, a terrible song, or even a terrible food. So why do we like terrible things? Why are we drawn to the dark side?The Appeal of Cringe
One reason we might like terrible things is the appeal of cringe. When we watch or listen to something that's terrible, it can make us physically uncomfortable. We might cringe or want to look away. However, this discomfort can also be enjoyable in a strange way. It's almost like a challenge to see if we can make it through without turning it off. This experience can be similar to a roller coaster ride, where we willingly subject ourselves to fear and discomfort for the thrill of it.The Nostalgia Factor
Another reason we might enjoy terrible things is the nostalgia factor. We might have loved something as a child or teenager, and even if we can recognize now that it's objectively terrible, we still have fond memories attached to it. It brings us back to a simpler time in our lives. We might also enjoy the nostalgia of the era the terrible thing came from (like cheesy 80s movies, for example). It's a trip down memory lane, even if that lane is full of potholes.The Shock Value
Finally, we might like terrible things because of the shock value. Sometimes we just want to be surprised or see something that's completely out of left field. Terrible things can often deliver on that front. They can be unpredictable and unexpected, which can make them fun to watch or listen to. We might also enjoy the feeling of being in on a joke that nobody else gets - we know it's terrible, but we can still find enjoyment in it.Conclusion
So why do we like terrible things? There are a number of reasons - from the thrill of cringe to the nostalgia factor to the shock value. While we might be hesitant to admit that we enjoy terrible things, it's important to remember that we're all human. Life can be stressful and sometimes it's nice to just sit back and enjoy something mindless for a while, even if it's objectively terrible.