The Psychological Factors That Fuels 'Dark Creativity'

Some art serves to make people happy, but not all art. Research reveals the macabre traits of a 'dark creative.'

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | February 16, 2024

"Dark creativity" involves the generation of ideas or creative expression that is considered morally questionable, ethically ambiguous or harmful. Researchers of a 2022 study describe it as "using original thought to meet a selfish, negative or evil goal, with or without the deliberate intent to harm others."

Researchers highlighted the potential causes and consequences of the intentional use of dark creativity. For instance, the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) is at the center of ethical debates and security discussions and the deployment of AI for fraudulent activities is alarming, with scammers and cybercriminals leveraging sophisticated algorithms to deceive unsuspecting individuals and organizations, prompting a deeper examination into the psychological underpinnings of this phenomenon.

Here are three psychological factors motivating dark creative pursuits, according to the study.

1. Psychological Desires

Dark creativity is driven by various psychological needs, including:

• The need for power. The need for power can spark dark creativity in individuals who prioritize achievement and dominance at the expense of ethical considerations and social relationships. This can manifest in creative strategies aimed at subverting or manipulating one's competition to achieve self-serving goals or destabilize existing power hierarchies. "An example might be the treasurer of a local organization who longs to be president. Perhaps they concoct a negative rumor about the current leadership to get the president to resign so they can take over. Under conditions of unstable power, persons in low power positions tend to be more creative than those with higher power," explain the researchers.
• The need for resources. The pursuit of wealth or tangible resources can drive individuals to enact novel solutions to accumulate these rewards. When resources are scarce and competition is fierce, the urgency to alleviate economic pressures or sustain a particular lifestyle and social status may also drive the use of dark creativity to maintain appearances. Individuals often rationalize unethical behavior as self-preservation, where the ends justify the means. Citing an infamous example of embezzlement, the researchers write, "Edith Chase siphoned off funds from her employer and remained undetected for eight years, tricking the company into paying for her loans taken against her pension account through creative bookkeeping."
• Hedonism. Hedonism—the pursuit of pleasure and self-indulgence—can inspire individuals to explore unconventional and morally questionable avenues for personal enjoyment, where they prioritize immediate gratification over ethical considerations. For example, individuals may create and promote substances solely for hedonistic pleasure, such as designer drugs and potent recreational substances without regard for health or safety. Additionally, the pursuit of sadistic pleasure, derived from the suffering of others, can also motivate individuals to use dark creativity to provoke, harass or harm individuals in virtual spaces.

2. Personality Traits

The "dark triad" of personality includes the traits of psychopathy, narcissism and machiavellianism. Research shows that individuals with psychopathic and machiavellian traits exhibit negative or harm-based creativity. These traits, marked by a lack of empathy, manipulative tendencies and a willingness to exploit others, concoct creative ideas that involve deception, gaslighting and coercion to achieve personal goals.

Researchers suggest that socio-emotional skills such as the ability to identify and manage emotions, navigate social situations and intuit social norms can also be employed to manipulate others for personal gain. Highlighting the troubling case of Ted Bundy, the authors write, "this organized and calculating serial killer often lured women by pretending to have his arm in a sling and requesting help in carrying something into his vehicle."

Unsurprisingly, malevolent forms of creativity are also associated with physical aggression, impulsive behavior and episodes of anger.

3. Cognitive Processes

The cognitive processes powering dark creativity involve a unique interplay of divergent thinking—the ability to connect seemingly unrelated concepts—and a willingness to explore unconventional ideas for deceptive or exploitative endeavors.

The researchers write, "a certain level of intellect is required to conceive of and successfully implement dark and original ideas. Action-relevant knowledge for dark creativity may include knowing how to hack into a database or manipulate someone's emotions," highlighting how without relevant knowledge and skill sets, creativity is stifled.

Additionally, an individual's belief systems, such as strongly prejudiced beliefs towards certain social groups, can guide creative misbehavior. Individuals may justify this harm by morally detaching from the consequences of their actions.

Researchers suggest that psychological factors combined with environmental assets, such as access to material and social resources, enable dark creativity.

"For instance, the invention and sustained use of nail bombs and other IEDs only require easy-to-access household components and basic technical know-how. Just as creators can use material goods to attain their goals, they can also leverage social circles, from mentors to audiences to peers, one's family, neighborhood, country or more," the researchers explain.

Dark creativity is an aspect of human expression that warrants careful examination. By understanding the psychological complexities, societal implications and ethical considerations surrounding this phenomenon, we can foster a more conscientious approach to creativity by striking a balance between the exploration of unconventional ideas and the responsibility that comes with creative liberty.

Do you have the proclivity to derive pleasure from others' pain? Take this personality assessment to know more: Sadism Scale

A similar version of this article can also be found on Forbes.com, here.