![]() ![]() In addition, individual differences in empathy are associated with enjoyment of horror. Relatedly, the trait of openness to experience (or the need to engage in imaginative activities) is also a predictor of horror consumption - a stronger openness to experience trait is associated with increased affinity towards horror. Those with a lower sensation-seeking trait may find those experiences unpleasant and avoid them. Some research indicates that people with a higher sensation-seeking trait (i.e., a stronger need for experiencing thrill and excitement) tend to seek out and enjoy horror-related experiences more. There are notable individual differences in how much we are attracted to consuming horror. Other newsletters or opt out at any time by managing your Research suggests that the absence of any of these psychological protective frames in the moment reduces the preference for horror consumption, which may explain why some people stay away from spooky movies, books, or events. (“We can easily outrun that slow zombie!”) If we visit a haunted house, for instance, and a realistic-looking, blood-thirsty zombie charges at us, we can still derive pleasure from the encounter if we feel confident about overcoming the danger. When we see a psychotic murderer chasing down a bloodied victim in a film, we can activate psychological detachment by reminding ourselves that they are just actors, and great acting is what is happening on the screen.ģ) The third category of protective frame involves our confidence in controlling and managing the dangers we encounter. If, however, we start to believe that the evil entity is coming out of the screen to hurt us, then the experience will no longer be fun.Ģ) The second category of protective frame involves detachment - whether we can psychologically detach from a horror experience. For example, although the evil entity in a movie might be committing terrifying acts in front of our eyes, we can derive pleasure from the horror as long as we believe that the evil entity is physically distant from us and hence cannot cause harm to us. ![]() There are three different categories of such frames.ġ) We need to believe that we are physically safe - a safety frame. Research suggests that we must possess a psychological “ protective frame” to be able to derive pleasure from being horrified. ![]() When can we derive pleasure from consuming horror? Observing storylines in which actors must confront the worst parts of themselves serves as a pseudo character study of the darkest parts of the human condition. As an inherently curious species, many of us are fascinated by what our own kind is capable of. After all, in real life, we might not have the opportunity to get to know a Hannibal Lecter or wander the streets during The Purge. Lastly, horror entrainment may help us (safely) satisfy our curiosity about the dark side of human psyche. Being adventurous in this way makes us feel more worldly or daring (not to mention grants us bragging rights). Some novel experiences can even contribute to our sense of accomplishment, like visiting a notorious haunted house. Apocalypse horror films, for example, allow us to live out alternative realities - from zombie outbreaks to alien infestations. Fright can trigger the release of adrenaline, resulting in heightened sensations and surging energy.Īnother reason we seek horror is to gain novel experiences. The biochemical inside our bodies also changes when we consume horror. For instance, watching a horror video simultaneously activates both types of stimulation, with the most pleasure experienced at the most fearful moment. Exposure to terrifying acts, or even the anticipation of those acts, can stimulate us - both mentally and physically - in opposing ways: negatively (in the form of fear or anxiety) or positively (in the form of excitement or joy). One reason we consume horror is to experience stimulation. What better time to share our findings than now, the spookiest time of year? Why do we consume horror in the first place? ![]() These are the questions that led us to investigate the booming global horror industry. Then, what is it about horror that humans are so drawn to? Moreover, why are some of us willing to spend our hard-earned money on a scare while others go great lengths to avoid it? Lying in bed and binging on It and It Chapter Two, trembling as the darkness pushes in around us - this is not a feeling we would describe as pleasant. From popular shows like American Horror Story and The Walking Dead to haunted theme parks and scary Steven King novels, we crave all kinds of frightening experiences.Īt the same time, fear is not exactly a positive emotion. ![]()
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