Why do people prefer saturated images? and is this good or bad in todays digital age?

[petrochemist]

I think it's a similar thing to TV settings.
In years past when walking around towns I've seen loads of TVs in peoples front rooms that were obviously set to maximum saturation.
It's as if they are thinking I paid for colour, so I'm going to get as much of it as I can!
Personally I couldn't watch such images for even 2 minutes, in general I tend to prefer slightly muted colours. High saturation often works well on very simple compositions, but rarely otherwise IMO.

 

[snowbear]

Come on, folks; let this zombie return to the grave with dignity. The OP hasn't been around for a couple of years.

 

[terri]

Maybe you'll need to get out the 'official' TPF padlock!

Done!