What an interesting question you pose. I think that as a society we are all so depressed and unhappy that it makes us feel better to hear when other people are suffering and troubled. It's kind of like "misery loves company". I am so tired of waking up every morning and hearing about poor Britney Spears, but it seems that people have become obsessed with her demise. It's the same idea as when traffic slows down when there is a car accident because everyone wants to look or if someone drops a tray at a restaurant, everyone stares at the waiter and the broken glasses and dishes. Instead of turning our focus on ourselves, it's easier to place judgment on others. It's a crazy cycle and one that's hard to break.