Dystopia is a genre of literature, film, or even games that depicts a world that has gone down a worse path. In such a world, cruel governments may prevail, people may be controlled, or they may be completely deprived of rights. This is essentially the opposite of a utopia — an ideal place.
Why can't we stop reading about it? Because dystopias often show what certain societal problems can lead to if they are not addressed. They make us think about what to do to prevent such a scenario from becoming a reality. Moreover, these stories can be very captivating, as they often contain tension, conflict, and heroes who fight against the system.
For example, George Orwell's "1984" is a famous dystopia that describes a society of total control. It is a book that not only captivates but also leaves the question: do we value our freedom enough right now? Thus, by reading dystopias, we both entertain ourselves and gain a reason to reflect on the modern world.