By now, you’ve read about Jennifer Wilkins, whose picture has been plastered on every news service in the U.S. because she was presumed abducted. Searches were conducted, posters had been posted, and a reward was offered.

The truth is more pedestrian: after eight — eight — wedding showers, she was having doubts about the impending, lavish ceremony. She cut her hair and split for Albuquerque. After meandering around, broke, she called home, initially claiming to have been kidnapped. Since fessing up, all of her public appearances have shown her wearing a towel over her head.

Many of the people who had joined in the escalating concern for her well-being reacted with levels of emotion spanning disappointment and anger. There have also been suggestions of legal action against the woman. Like she needs her stress level ratcheted up further.

Do we inherently feed on bad news?