Why Are We Addicted to Vampires?

Robert Palmer once declared in his iconic '80's song that we are "addicted to love" The music video featured his models clad in black clothes and red lipstick. If Palmer were alive today, would he be singing about how we are "addicted to vampires?" Could those models be seductive vampires?
In the current market, anything is possible.
Vampires are hot, and that is putting it lightly. The Twilight series has taken the breath away from throngs of teenage girls and even housewives, stirring up a mania that shows no signs of waning. In the wake of such success, the CW has released its own vampire television series, the Vampire Diaries, which is more Melrose Place than Bram Stoker. HBO has found success with a more adult audience, putting their own spin on the genre with the series True Blood. Vampire movies have flooded various film festivals. Mattel has released pictures of their new Barbie Twilight series (available just in time for Christmas on November 1st). It seems everyone is getting in on the vampiric action. No news though if Count Chocula, the marshmallow-loving vampire, will be replaced by a male model with fangs.
One thing that seems to be consistent in this new fascination with the blood suckers is the lack of aggression they show toward humans. Old school vampire fans have watched in horror as vampires have become virtual vegetarians, feeding on the blood of animals or synthetic human blood rather than chasing down horrified humans. Why, some vampires now even sparkle in the sunlight, like fairies in times of old. And yes, many of them look as if they are patrons of your local Abercrombie or Gap.
Misty Harris declared recently in the Vancouver Sun that vampires "are losing their bite." In her article she interviews various experts, who put forth theories for this new transition. Vampires used to be something that hid among mankind, stalking their prey as a wolf stalks a deer. Now they are rock stars, the objects of school girl fascination.
Will vampires soon relinquish their throne as heartthrobs? Will they be despised and hunted by people again? Hollywood and others in the entertainment industry are constantly looking for the next big thing, and some are pushing for Zombies to knock vampires off in the near future. Who knows if the masses will buy into a zombie-human love relationship? Perhaps the next love obsession will be Bigfoot? Only time will tell.