Young people are reading more than before. However, they are particularly excited about power fantasies and dark romances. Why Gen Z is into “Dark Romance” and why experts see this as problematic is summarized by MeinMMO.
What is Generation Z reading? Generation Z is mainly interested in Dark Romance. This is often referred to as a subgenre of romance novels. However, compared to romance novels, the genre focuses on significantly darker themes:
- Power imbalance
- Abuse and captivity.
- Questionable consent to certain, partially sexual actions
These stories often deal with unconventional or taboo relationships, complex characters with difficult pasts, and dark settings (via seacrowbooks.com).
And Generation Z is enthusiastic about such books: According to the English-language magazine RNZ, especially independent authors are making good money with such books that they sell to young people. Boomers (born between 1955 and 1969) hardly buy such books at all and can only shake their heads about it.
Young people find loving relationships boring
Who reads this stuff? The main target audience for dark romance novels is young adults and adults, especially women in their late teens to their 30s. The genre is especially popular among readers who are active on social media platforms like BookTok (via raforall.com).
Why do they read such things? The main argument for “Dark Romance” among young readers is primarily the emotional aspect: Strong feelings such as fear, longing, or tension play a significant role in these works.
At the same time, one can experience violent fantasies in a safe space – a so-called safe space – without having to deal with real consequences in the real world. Just as you can wipe out entire villages in Baldur’s Gate 3 without anyone caring in real life.
Many fans refer to these stories as “pure fantasy” and enjoy the thrill of relationships that would be impossible or dangerous in real life. Having brutal sex with an animal in a fantasy novel is a different thing than if it were happening in reality. The English-language magazine TheConversation.com explains that:
For many, the appeal lies in the safe exploration of extreme emotions in a fictional framework. Similar to the thrill of horror films, readers can experience fear, tension, or desire and know that they maintain control over the story.
Psychologist Robert Coordes explained to the German magazine Web.de that many young people find a calm and loving relationship simply too boring. The thrill of the forbidden then gives the reader the right “kick”.
Critics say: Such books glorify violence and toxic relationships
Why is Dark Romance criticized? Dark Romance is controversial for several reasons. Several websites report on this (via authordominicmcgreal.com and nedaaria.info):
- Glorification of toxic relationships: Critics argue that the genre can romanticize manipulative, controlling, or abusive behaviors, potentially making them appear acceptable or desirable, especially for impressionable readers.
- Moral and ethical concerns: The exploration of morally ambiguous scenarios and questionable consent can blur the lines between right and wrong, raising ethical concerns about desensitization to serious issues.
- Psychological effects: Some studies suggest that repeated exposure to romanticized violence or unhealthy dynamics can negatively impact readers’ perceptions of relationships, particularly among adolescents and young adults.
- Misinterpretation: There is debate over whether these books endorse harmful behaviors or merely use them as narrative devices to explore complex emotions and critique societal norms.
- Trivialization of real-life issues: Critics also point out that the genre can trivialize or misrepresent serious issues like abuse or human trafficking by treating them more as plot elements than as opportunities for meaningful discussions.
Psychologists warn that interpersonal boundaries are distorted: Repeated exposure to violence, abuse, or toxic behaviors can dull readers and make them emotionally less responsive.
Some studies and critics argue that these books romanticize abusive or controlling behaviors and can lead vulnerable readers to view such dynamics as acceptable or even desirable in real life (via latimes.com).
In general, experts and critics say that particularly young or emotionally “immature” readers are at risk, as they lack the emotional maturity to separate fiction from reality and process disturbing themes safely.
Readers say: Taboo topics can be explored without risk
Despite the criticism, many readers defend the genre as a space where taboo topics can be explored in a controlled, fictional context, arguing that enjoying dark romance novels does not equate to endorsing harmful behaviors in real life (via Reddit.com).
Some studies show that experienced readers often recognize the fictional nature of these stories and engage critically with the content (via TheConversation.com): They use such books as a way to reflect on and understand harmful behaviors rather than normalize them. Moreover, they often find it possible to develop a more nuanced understanding of relationships.
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