From my own experience being in very physically run down and negative states - the appeal is the fantasy wherein the source of my stress disappears overnight. And yes, it's also good for cultivating an already chaotic internal state. That's what drew to the peak oil websites - as much as the science side, which I was also on board with, obviously.

It's taboo to acknowledge how physically and emotionally draining modern life can be in the "rich" world. We're actually required to believe the opposite. There is no easy to find, constructive narrative out there to vent this.

For others who have an internal desire to control the external world (I don't), the "righteous punishment of sinners" aspect of the flood myth is in play.

you are the media you consume.