The dark side of the sublime: Distinguishing a threat-based variant of awe.

Amie M Gordon, Jennifer E Stellar, Craig L Anderson, Galen D McNeil, Daniel Loew, Dacher Keltner

August 2017

Synopsis of Social media discussions

The comments reflect a tentative curiosity about the darker side of awe, with phrases like 'seems like a fear-based awe' and mentions of awe in art or conversation, indicating a superficial engagement with the research. The tone is generally observational and exploratory, rather than strongly opinionated or in-depth, which aligns with moderate levels of interest and impact.

A
Agreement
 Neither agree nor disagree

The discussions show mixed reactions, with some recognizing the existence of threat-based awe but not strongly supporting or opposing the full concept.

I
Interest
 Moderate level of interest

Most discussions express a moderate level of curiosity, especially around the idea of awe being linked to fear or threat, but do not delve deeply into details.

E
Engagement
 Neutral engagement

The posts are somewhat superficial, referencing the idea of awe in passing or mentioning its presence in art and conversation without critical analysis.

I
Impact
 Neutral impact

The overall influence of these discussions appears limited, as they mainly reference the article indirectly or highlight the concept without demonstrating significant behavioral or opinion change.

Social Mentions

YouTube

2 Videos

Facebook

3 Posts

Twitter

13 Posts

Blogs

4 Articles

News

12 Articles

Metrics

Video Views

278,333

Total Likes

10,751

Extended Reach

341,930

Social Features

34

Timeline: Posts about article

Top Social Media Posts

Posts referencing the article

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SODOTO

April 18, 2024

419 views

  • ⋆˚ఎ nae ໒˚⋆
    @deadnaewalking (Twitter)

    https://t.co/qCKnX6KotE
    view full post

    February 15, 2024

  • Coltan Scrivner
    @MorbidPsych (Twitter)

    @Lucidly_Elias Yeah seems right. I haven't given awe too much thought, but certainly seems like it triggers info gathering (stillness, wide-eyes, cognitive attention). Seems to be a fear-based awe as well: https://t.co/yKT4wu2nnz https://t.co/wpU59VLOCf
    view full post

    December 29, 2023

    1

  • LetMeCook
    @s0v0o0 (Twitter)

    Why You Should Experience More Awe https://t.co/eCcInDFeYp via @YouTube
    view full post

    April 12, 2023

  • Demonfoxgirl
    @3Dmarcy (Twitter)

    :3 if you want to know a little bit why https://t.co/Cdx3Dbsndj
    view full post

    December 6, 2022

    3

  • Charley Ramm
    @charleyramm (Twitter)

    Why You Should Experience More Awe https://t.co/w2WbMeoGA0 via @YouTube
    view full post

    December 5, 2022

  • ⟊ʞɏᒪɘ ∴ ȺⱤϻ$₮ⱤØ₦₲⟁
    @TheMedicineWolf (Twitter)

    Why You Should Experience More Awe https://t.co/SycHYhtXN9
    view full post

    December 2, 2022

  • Frozty
    @myfrozty (Twitter)

    Why You Should Experience More Awe https://t.co/JUNZVmps7L via @YouTube
    view full post

    November 28, 2022

  • Keith Justice
    @KeithUnlimited (Twitter)

    I find it in art... and occasionally good conversation. Why You Should Experience More Awe https://t.co/oigCNCLNOJ via @YouTube
    view full post

    November 27, 2022

  • Nyarlathotehp (he/they)
    @headwyvern (Twitter)

    Why You Should Experience More Awe https://t.co/A3K9xKEHhE via @YouTube
    view full post

    November 27, 2022

  • Alberto G.
    @albertogmendez (Twitter)

    Why You Should Experience More Awe https://t.co/bogkMACTm7 a través de @YouTube
    view full post

    November 27, 2022

  • lunático
    @jorgecl_8 (Twitter)

    https://t.co/aqKkJdvhG8
    view full post

    November 27, 2022

  • Richard Lopez (1983-)
    @Richard39831186 (Twitter)

    We live in Oran now.... Why You Should Experience More Awe https://t.co/Pk6MU0thK0 via @YouTube
    view full post

    November 27, 2022

  • Yassine ⛅️
    @ysobh53 (Twitter)

    Why You Should Experience More Awe https://t.co/drbTsIjHLk via @YouTube
    view full post

    November 27, 2022

Abstract Synopsis

  • The study explores a negative variant of awe, called threatbased awe, which occurs in response to threatening, complex stimuli like natural disasters or terrorist attacks, contrasting with the typically positive view of awe.
  • Threatbased awe is characterized by feelings of fear, lower perceived self-control and certainty, higher situational control, physiological signs of sympathetic arousal, and weaker links to well-being compared to positive awe.
  • While positive awe generally enhances wellbeing, threatbased awe does not, and may even increase feelings of powerlessness, revealing a darker, less-studied side of awe’s impact on emotions and health.