- Read about [[catharsis]]
	- Seems like there's literature suggesting catharsis as a kind of [self-fulfilling prophecy](https://websites.umich.edu/~bbushman/bbs99.pdf)
	- It makes sense within the context of [online games](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11475470/)  
		- The timing of this uptick in literature is suspect however
		- It coincides with broader trends of [violent game scapegoating](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reactions_to_the_Sandy_Hook_Elementary_School_shooting#Violent_video_games)
			- Contrasts with recent [data](https://academic.oup.com/scan/article/19/1/nsae031/7668175)
	- The original definition from the [[poetics]] is also fuzzy
		- [[gadamer]] has a nice summary[^1] cited [here](https://www.english.hawaii.edu/criticalink/aristotle/index.html)
		- The only mention of catharsis in [[impro]] is within the status chapter[^2]
			- It refers to the experience of the audience watching a tragedy
			- Seems more in line with the original definition than the broader venting one

[^1]: What is experienced in such an excess of tragic suffering is something truly common. The spectator recognizes himself {or herself} and his {or her} finiteness in the face of the power of fate. What happens to the great ones of the earth has exemplary significance. . . .To see that "this is how it is" is a kind of self-knowledge for the spectator, who emerges with new insight from the illusions in which he {or she}, like everyone else, lives

[^2]: Super-intelligent wolves might have invented this form of theatre, and the lupine Oedipus would play high status at all times. Even when he was being led into the wilderness he wouldn't whine, and he'd keep his tail up. If he crumbled into low-status posture and voice the audience wouldn't get the necessary *catharsis*. The effect wouldn't be tragic, but pathetic. Even criminals about to be executed were supposed to make a good end', i.e. to play high status.