I’m not alone in this feeling.
Many people engage in things they hatelook no further than hate-watchers.
Same goes for scripted shows and corny films like Emily in Paris or Mamma Mia.
Getty Images / Verywell Mind
After all, isn’t feelingnegative emotionssupposed to be, well, bad?
Turns out, the answer is complex.
Hate-watching is watching something bad for the rage it brings.
It evokes real feelings of hate, anger, and disgust.
What Hate-Watching Is (And Isn’t!)
Hate-watching is stronger than just disliking something.
When you dislike something you watch, youre indifferent to it.
If you’re hate-watch something, you’re purposefully activating morenegative emotions.
This is an easy way to feel aligned with others around us.
Psychological Reasons Behind Hate-Watching
At the core of hate-watching is the emotion of hate.
So, why does hate-watching can feel pretty darn good?
People are happier experiencing negative emotions like sadness or anger if those are the emotions they want to experience.
Which means hate-watching can be a rewarding experience.
But this is just one reason why we love hate-watching.
Why does that matter?
Well, elitism taps into this desire by watching people we feel are inferior.
Nostalgia
Nostalgiais another factor in hate-watching.
Similarly, you might hate-watch a film or TV show because it appeals to you differently.
Yet, you still stream the series because of nostalgia.
But we still enjoy the feelings associated with where we were when we first watched those shows.
Secret Desire
Sometimes people secretly desire something depicted in a show or movie.
Things such as taboo topics, people with different lifestyles and beliefs, and risky behaviors.
The Impact of Hate-Watching on Viewers
Hate-watching can have both positive and negative impacts on viewers.
On the positive side, it can promptself-reflection.
As they critique the content, they may question their values and preferences, says Slavens.
Where Hate-Watching Goes Wrong
But there are many negatives to hate-watching, too.
For example, hate-watching can lead toviewing the world negativelyand seeing people as critical.
Hate-watching can make you judgmental.
So, often the most vocally judgmental people are those who most fear being judged.
It can cause us to avoid risk for fear of being mocked the way we mock others.
through a negative, critical lens.
Rather, she notes, [it] solidifiesstereotypesand dislike of people who arent like us.
Cultural and Social Implications
Content is created and produced to generate revenue.
So even if the content is hated, if it brings in viewers, people will still produce it.
In fact, in some cases the morecontroversial, the better.
This can influence the content created, focusing more on content designed to stir strong opinions and beliefs.
Today that can be seen inreality showsthat evoke strong opinions, like The Kardashians or Vanderpump Rules.
How Social Media Plays a Part
Social media has exacerbated this tendency.
While hate-watching certainly existed before Instagram and Twitter,social mediahas increased the sense of community around hate-watching.
Just double-check you dont spend every night hating what you watch.
2017;146(10):1448-1459. doi:10.1037/xge0000303
