The Phenomenon of Dark Tourism and Images of Death in Media Culture
Abstract
The study explores how death has become commercialized and commodified, presenting an anaesthetised, entertaining image primarily mediated through by media communication and consumer-driven narratives. This phenomenon is exemplified by dark tourism, with the Chernobyl nuclear disaster serving as a key case study. The paper highlights the ethical, cultural, psychological, and moral implications of transforming sites of tragedy into tourist attractions, where curiosity and excitement often overshadow remembrance and respect for victims. In recent years, dark tourism has sparked growing interest, not only as a form of entertainment but also as a means of interpreting history, trauma, and collective memory. Sites like Chernobyl act as reminders of human tragedy while simultaneously becoming destinations for thrill-seekers. Media play a crucial role in shaping this perception, often emphasizing eerie atmospheres and adrenaline-fueled experiences over historical context and emotional gravity. Furthermore, dark tourism raises questions about the commodification of mourning, as past tragedies are repackaged into consumer experience. The ethical implications are complex, with blurred lines between education and exploitation. Through an analysis of Chernobyl, this study contributes to the ongoing discourse on balancing remembrance with commercialization, while also examining the voyeuristic tendencies dark tourism can encourage. Using the Chernobyl nuclear disaster as a case study, it analyzes tragedy tourism through the lens of so-called stalkers and radioactive hunters, whose activities highlight the complex interplay between curiosity, commemoration, and exploitation in sites marked by historical tragedy.
Key words
Consumer Culture. Dark Tourism. Images of Death. Media Culture. Radioactive Hunters. Thanatourism. The Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster.
Moravčíková, E., Letavajová, S., & Štrbová, M. (2025). The Phenomenon of Dark Tourism and Images of Death in Media Culture. European Journal of Media, Art & Photography, 13(1), 92-99. https://doi.org/10.34135/ejmap-25-01-05