Degree

BS (Social Sciences & Liberal Arts)

Faculty / School

School of Economics and Social Sciences (SESS)

Department

Department of Social Sciences & Liberal Arts

Date of Award

Spring 2024

Date of Submission

2024-07-31

Advisor

Dr. Ayesha Zia, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Sciences

Committee

Dr. Adam Abdullah, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Sciences

Project Type

SSLA Culminating Experience

Access Type

Restricted Access

Keywords

Morbid Curiosity, Emapthy, Horror, Morbid Media, Films

Abstract

This mixed-methods study investigates the relationship between morbid media consumption, mainly films and TV shows, and empathy levels among young adults in Pakistan, through the lens of morbid curiosity. Utilizing both quantitative and qualitative approaches such as surveys and focus group discussions, this research explored how exposure to morbid media, such as true crime documentaries, horror films, and other sub-genres affect the emotional and empathetic responses of individuals who frequently consume it. The quantitative part of the study included 165 Pakistani young-adult respondents aged 18-25 who filled out a survey reporting their morbid curiosity, morbid media consumption as well as empathetic responses through validated scales such as Morbid Curiosity Scale (2021) and Empathy Assessment Scale. For the qualitative part, three focus groups were conducted, each consisting of four participants who delved deeper into their motivations and experiences of consuming morbid content. The quantitative results yielded an insignificant negative correlation between morbid media consumption and individuals’ empathetic response; however, qualitative focus group discussions revealed a more nuanced relationship, with participants reporting a range of emotional impacts, from increased sensitivity to desensitization over time. The qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis, and the findings suggest that while statistical measures may not capture the full extent of this relationship, personal experiences and contextual factors play a critical role in shaping how morbid media influences empathy. The study highlights the importance of individual differences, responsible consumption, and the potential for both positive and negative emotional effects. Moreover, future research should consider larger, and much more diverse samples to further understand the complexities of morbid media consumption and its impact on empathy.

Pages

100

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