https://www.reddit.com/r/SeriousConversation/comments/1iat00x/do_we_subconsciously_chase_chaos/
created by Metalwolf on 26/01/2025 at 22:54 UTC
44 upvotes, 12 top-level comments (showing 12)
I’ve been reflecting on this question lately: do we as humans subconsciously chase chaos?
When it comes to the media we consume—whether it’s stories, TV shows, or movies—we’re almost always drawn to the most flawed characters. Think about it: a story without conflict would feel dull, and reality TV with a bunch of well-adjusted, drama-free people would likely flop. It’s the chaos and unpredictability that hooks us.
What’s even more interesting is how this seems to show up in real life, too. For example, I’ve noticed some people repeatedly choosing partners who bring excitement and chaos into their lives, even though those relationships might not actually be the healthiest for them. It’s like the thrill outweighs the potential downsides.
So I��m wondering: is this tendency just part of being human? Do we subconsciously crave chaos because it makes life feel more exciting, or is there something deeper at play here?
Comment by AutoModerator at 26/01/2025 at 22:54 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
This post has been flaired as “Opinion”. Do not use this flair to vent, but to open up a venue for polite discussions.
1: /message/compose/?to=/r/SeriousConversation
Comment by Cyraga at 26/01/2025 at 23:00 UTC
16 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Humans get bored. If there's not something going on, we'll create drama. It always seems to be this way
Comment by Responsible_Lake_804 at 26/01/2025 at 23:05 UTC
13 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Well, I think we crave novelty. I’m sure there’s a spectrum of that which stretches to chaos. Our advertising-heavy societies position everything as the most sensational to get more eyeballs on it, so at a certain point it becomes a question of what novelties are available and how chaotic those may be.
Comment by BlackPrinceofAltava at 26/01/2025 at 23:00 UTC
13 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Those who cannot stimulate themselves or find in peace the stimulation they crave will look elsewhere and they'll make what they can't find.
I think some people are wired for certain kinds of lives that aren't possible in a state of peace. But it'd be a mistake to think they're representative of us all.
Comment by largos7289 at 26/01/2025 at 23:58 UTC
9 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Chaos is a ton more fun. I mean i'm probably the most vanilla guy when it comes to what needs to be done. i.e work schedule, bills etc Wasn't always this way but it kinda happened when i got older. My wife is fly by the seat of her pants and will always bring some sort of drama into my life. I do in fact love it. I call her the sprinkles to my vanilla ice cream. Vanilla get the job done, but the sprinkles makes you want it again. You just have to pick what degree of "sprinkles" you want to deal with.
Comment by KheyotecGoud at 26/01/2025 at 22:58 UTC
4 upvotes, 1 direct replies
I don’t, but I’ve noticed many do to varying extents. On the extreme end I had a long time female friend who I decided to room with for a while, and she started as many screaming matches as she could - always goading until the guy was holding back the screams. She did this with every guy she was with and the only weeks without screaming matches were when she was single, but in those weeks she was trying to irritate me.
Comment by one_cosmicdust at 27/01/2025 at 03:36 UTC
4 upvotes, 0 direct replies
And... Freud said it, and Jung, we have a subconscious drive to death, which is chaos. But, like everyone says, our mind is like a monkey, jumping from here and there, the mind is always working, either happy coz attachments, or afraid of uncertainty, so it keeps going. But, if we really look at it, we're always evolving, going from nothing to something or more, growing, expanding, changing...
Comment by Inevitable_Orchid_64 at 27/01/2025 at 16:48 UTC
2 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I’d argue it’s two different scenarios.
We relate more to characters who have flaws than we do to characters who seem put together in fiction. In reality tv, the plot drives the show forward, and the premise exists as an excuse to cause drama (the actual plot.) Reality tv shows are designed to cause conflict through set layout, resource distribution, food or sleep deprivation, etc.
In real life, people pick unhealthy partners over and over because once you become accustomed to a toxic relationship as your normal (wether it’s how you grew up or if you entered one later in life) it’s very, very difficult to get out. Trauma is a way of adapting to a situation, and oftentimes it feels less scary for victims to stay in relationships they “know” how to navigate than it is to switch to a healthy one. Also victims have trouble setting proper boundaries to ensure a relationship stays healthy. Many of them wouldn’t know what to do in a healthy relationship. It’s an unexplored dynamic.
Comment by shittyarteest at 27/01/2025 at 08:58 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I don’t like a lot of modern media because it feels too real. I get second hand embarrassment and shit easily. I’ve started watching older shows/movies because of it.
I do find stressful situations in person stimulating though.
Comment by Sitcom_kid at 27/01/2025 at 12:49 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Sometimes it goes back to how a person was raised. Chaos begets chaos. We tend to do what feels normal, and if chaos feels normal, people get more.
Comment by Automate_This_66 at 27/01/2025 at 14:37 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Because we feel protected by the knowledge that we have and our violent evolution demands we take pleasure watching the uninformed pay for their ignorance.
Comment by Sweetchickyb at 27/01/2025 at 18:41 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
That's double sided as well. To chase something there has to be something to chase so there has to be cause and effect. Humans are notorious causes of chaos. I guess it goes either way. We generate that which we choose to chase which is funny since dogs will chase cars but they won't drive lol.