As humans, we are drawn to and intrigued by tragedy.

However dark that may sound, several studies have not only proven that but tried to explain it, as well.

The truth is, we have been for generations.

In the early 1900s, the Titanic disaster captivated the interest of millions. So much so that several retellings of the event have been created, including the popular 1997 film starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.

Today, we’re staying up to date on every detail of the past couple of hurricanes that made their way across the U.S. Both Helene and Milton have caused mass destruction and flooding, and we can’t look away.

The draw of tragedy boils down to the little things, too, like a fender-bender we crank our necks to look at as we pass by.

It’s been reported that we’re drawn to such incidents for several reasons.

The most common explanation claims that they trigger an emotional response, something we are naturally programmed to want. It sparks our need to feel empathy.

Our negativity bias also drives why we can’t divert our attention. A study published by the American Psychological Association found that we react to and learn more from our negative experiences than we do the positive ones.

In a way, that is a means of protection, too. We want to know where potential dangers and threats are in our environment. We want to see what works and what fails in different situations to better prepare ourselves should we have to face them.

I used to listen to a podcast — ironically called “Morbid” — that talked about all things true crime. In one episode, the hosts claimed that the reason we can’t help but look for people after a wreck is to see the potential of what we could look like in the scenario.

Tragedy invites us to confront our sufferings, fears, and anxieties through the lens of others’ stories.

Honestly, it’s a sad reality that we are programmed that way.

The lure can also be harmful to us, even if we aren’t directly involved in a situation.

A post-9/11 study published by the Journal of Anxiety Disorders tracked the television viewing habits of 166 children and 84 mothers who had no direct exposure to the attacks. Sixty-eight percent of mothers and 48% of children reported increased television viewing in the days following the attacks. The study found that that uptick in viewing predicted an increased risk of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.

That being said, it’s so important for us to care for ourselves and check in with the people around us when tragedy strikes, wherever and whatever it may be.

However alluring such events may be, we have to remember to put our safety and the safety of the people around us first.

Scrolling through TikTok the past couple of days, I noticed too many videos of people choosing to not evacuate the Tampa Bay area when officials and experts repeatedly told them they should. One guy, who I’m not sure was an influencer but surely seemed like one, made it seem like he was doing it for the content, for the views.

That disturbs me more than the fact we’re drawn to destruction and death.

When you can flee life-threatening situations, it doesn’t make you “cool” to stick around and see if you can survive.

I think back to the explosion at a plant in Clinton Township earlier this year. People stood outside freely as they watched each explosion toss debris into the air.

There was one reported fatality in that event: a 19-year-old bystander who was killed by a flying canister.

An injury was also reported that night: a firefighter protecting others.

I have the utmost respect for first responders, hospital workers, and other emergency personnel who not only risk their lives for the safety and wellness of others but are willing to work seemingly endless shifts to do so.

However drawn to those tragedies and circumstances we may be, let’s not forget the people who help us recover and rebuild, including communities who give what they can to send relief funds and supplies and those who are willing to travel distances to help make other communities feel whole again.

We can’t forget to care for ourselves and each other and recognize the true severity of these situations.

Torianna Marasco can be reached at 989-358-5686 or tmarasco@thealpenanews.com.