What are the benefits of reading messed up stories?

One consequence could be a distorted view of healthy relationships. Reading such stories might make one think abnormal or unethical sexual behaviors are normal. Another is potential emotional harm. It can expose the reader to disturbing and inappropriate content that may lead to feelings of discomfort, anxiety or even trauma.

It could be for young adults or older, depending on the complexity of the plot and language used.

You can use content filters on your devices. Many browsers and e - reading apps have options to block or filter out content with sexual or inappropriate themes. Also, follow good reading recommendations from reliable sources like respected book reviewers or educational institutions.

There are messed up bedtime stories because they can also be a form of exploring the darker side of human nature or the unknown. Writers may want to create a sense of mystery and fear, which can be exciting in a different way. It's like how horror movies exist. They appeal to a certain sense of curiosity about the things that scare us, and some bedtime stories have that element too. They might not be suitable for all children, but they have their own place in the world of storytelling.

Oh, I've read some where the characters are completely out of character and the plot makes no sense.

They often involve unexpected twists. Like in a story where a dog chases its own tail thinking it's another animal. The sudden realization of the dog is both funny and a bit 'messed up'.

Another theme is the destruction of families and communities. War tears people apart. In war - torn areas, families are separated, homes are destroyed, and whole communities are displaced. Look at the Middle East conflicts where countless families have been scattered across different countries as refugees.

One messed up origin story could be that of the Evil Queen in Snow White. She was originally so jealous of Snow White's beauty that she was willing to go to extreme lengths, like using dark magic and ordering a huntsman to kill Snow White. It shows a really dark side of human nature, envy, and the lengths one can go to out of spite.

Stories like 'The Red Shoes' can be considered a bit messed up for a bedtime story. In it, the girl is forced to dance in the red shoes until she is exhausted and near death. Also, the Grimm's Fairy Tales in their original versions are full of rather dark elements. For instance, Cinderella's stepsisters cut off parts of their feet to fit into the glass slipper. These kinds of stories with disturbing or cruel elements can be thought of as messed - up bedtime stories.

There's a story where a doll in an old attic comes to life at night. It has a cracked porcelain face and it moves around the attic, leaving a trail of cold air. The family living in the house below can hear strange scratching noises coming from above, but they're too scared to go and check what's causing it. This is a really messed up short story as it plays on the fear of the unknown and the creepy nature of old, inanimate objects.