Affective Factors in Dark Creativity

Abstract

Dark creativity comprises novel actions that lead to deliberate or unintentional harm. Although recent research has begun examining the construct more widely, there exist several gaps in scholarship. One such area is the influence, association, and role of affective factors in determining whether and to what extent an entity engages in dark creativity. After introducing concepts like negative and malevolent creativity, this chapter reviews the existing literature on the link between affective factors and creativity. Thereafter, the features of dark personality traits, like psychopathy, are examined with reference to affective considerations such as low empathy in producing original harm. Owing to the relationship between dark creativity and moral concerns, we also examine how moral emotions like guilt and shame (or lack thereof) may contribute to an understanding of such creativity. The chapter concludes with suggestions for future research and avenues for interdisciplinary studies.

The Ties That Bind: Low Morals, High Deception, and Dark Creativity

“…Similarly, one can postulate that low concerns for authority are related to rule-breaking and coming up with justifications for such transgressions are easier for creative individuals (e.g., Mai et al, 2015). Further, individuals with lower concerns for purity may exhibit lower concerns for moral emotions like disgust, facilitating immoral behaviors like lying (see also Fu & Zhang, 2022;Kapoor & Mange, 2023).…”

Shining a Light on Dark Creativity

“…1 Relatedly, there are several areas associated with morality that remain unexplored. Moral emotions, such as guilt (or lack thereof), may influence the valence of creative ideas (Kapoor & Mange, 2023). An individual's moral circle --the boundary within which entities are worthy of moral consideration --is also likely to be relevant to dark creative ideation and behavior.…”

Shining a Light on Dark Creativity

“…Another area that could benefit from insights into dark creativity is the discourse surrounding misinformation (false information that is spread by mistake; Lewandowsky et al, 2020) and disinformation (false information that is spread with the intent to mislead; Lewandowsky et al, 2020). The two fields are linked owing to common features of creative narratives and conspiratorial misinformation (Bonetto & Arciszewski, 2021;Kapoor & Puthillam, 2023). However, just as creative lies, effective conspiracies must strike a balance between being ridiculous and being plausible.…”