The Rise of Dark Content: Popular Than Ever
Dark content — we can’t get enough of it. From true crime podcasts to gritty dramas, it seems like audiences are increasingly drawn to stories that explore the darkest corners of the human experience. But why? Are we all just secretly masochistic, or is there something deeper at play? In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why dark content is getting more popular in recent times, with stats and quotes to back it up.
True crime podcasts are consistently among the most popular podcasts
Let’s start with true crime. It’s hard to deny that true crime podcasts have exploded in popularity in recent years. According to a 2019 report by Edison Research, true crime is the second most popular podcast genre, with 22% of monthly podcast listeners tuning in to true crime shows.
True crime is a way of exploring the darker side of human nature in a safe and controlled way — Phoebe Judge, co-host of Criminal
Phoebe Judge, co-host of the popular true-crime podcast Criminal, has spoken about the appeal of true crime as a way of exploring the darker side of human nature in a safe and controlled way. In a 2018 interview with The Guardian, she noted that “true crime is a way of exploring the darker side of human nature without actually having to experience it yourself.”
TV dramas are getting darker and more intense
It’s not just podcasts — TV dramas are also getting darker and more intense. According to a 2018 study by the Parents Television Council, the amount of violence on TV has increased by 28% since 2017, with a particular uptick in violence against women.
Dark dramas offer a chance to explore complex issues in a nuanced way — Vince Gilligan, creator of Breaking Bad
Vince Gilligan, the creator of the hit TV series Breaking Bad, has spoken about the appeal of dark dramas as a way of exploring complex issues in a nuanced way. In a 2016 interview with The Guardian, he noted that “there’s a power to storytelling that can really make us think about things in a way that we might not have before.”
Horror movies are consistently among the most profitable movies
Horror movies have always had a dedicated fan base, but in recent years, they’ve become even more profitable. According to a 2021 report by The Numbers, the horror genre was the most profitable genre at the box office in 2020, with a total gross of $413 million.
Horror is a way of exploring our deepest fears and anxieties in a safe way — Jordan Peele, director of Get Out and Us
Jordan Peele, the director of the hit horror movie Get Out and Us has spoken about the appeal of horror as a way of exploring our deepest fears and anxieties in a safe way. In a 2017 interview with The New York Times, he noted that “horror is a way of dealing with our fears and anxieties in a safe way. We get to confront those things without actually having to go through them.”
Mental health issues are becoming more common
While there are many reasons why dark content is becoming more popular, one possible explanation is the increase in mental health issues. According to a 2018 report by the World Health Organization, depression is now the leading cause of disability worldwide, with anxiety disorders also on the rise.
Dark content can offer a sense of catharsis for people dealing with mental health issues”— Dr Andrea Letamendi, clinical psychologist
Dr Andrea Letamendi, a clinical psychologist who has studied the relationship between mental health and media, has noted that dark content can offer a sense of catharsis for people dealing with mental health issues. In a 2018 interview with NPR, she noted that “when we’re struggling with difficult emotions or experiences, sometimes it can be helpful to see those experiences reflected back to us in the media we consume. It can help us feel less alone, and can even offer a sense of validation or empowerment.”
Social media has made it easier to connect with like-minded people
Another factor that may be contributing to the popularity of dark content is the rise of social media. Social media has made it easier than ever to connect with like-minded people and find communities centred around specific interests, including dark content.
Social media has created a space for people to explore their interests without judgment”— Mara Wilson, actress and writer
Mara Wilson, an actress and writer who has written about her own struggles with mental health, has spoken about the ways in which social media has created a space for people to explore their interests without judgment. In a 2018 interview with The Guardian, she noted that “social media can be a really positive thing for people who are struggling with mental health issues or who have interests that might be considered ‘weird’ or ‘unusual.’ It creates a sense of community and belonging that can be really powerful.”
So, what do all these stats and quotes tell us about the popularity of dark content? One possible conclusion is that dark content offers a way of exploring the darker side of the human experience in a safe and controlled way. Whether it’s true crime podcasts, gritty TV dramas, or horror movies, dark content allows us to confront our fears and anxieties without actually having to experience them ourselves. It can also offer a sense of catharsis for people dealing with mental health issues, and create a sense of community and belonging for those who may feel isolated or misunderstood.
Of course, there are also those who argue that our fascination with dark content is simply a reflection of our society’s collective nihilism and despair. But as long as people continue to be drawn to stories that explore the darker corners of the human experience, it seems likely that dark content will continue to thrive in the years to come. So, whether you’re a true crime junkie or a horror movie aficionado, rest assured — there’s plenty of dark content out there to keep you entertained (and maybe a little disturbed) for years to come.
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