Most people tend to avoid inflicting pain on others, and if we do, we experience guilt or remorse. But for sadists, cruelty can be exciting and pleasurable. These people aren’t necessarily serial killers or bad people, but they get an emotional reward when causing or observing the suffering of others. In fact, there’s even a category called ‘everyday sadism’ that highlights how sadistic traits are present in many people – not just sexual deviants and criminals.