Fear isn’t everyone’s cup of tea (or coffee). While some people would spend money for the love of a scare, many would run in the opposite direction. So why is it that some crave all kinds of frightening experiences? One reason we consume horror is to experience…
Why do we consume horror in the first place?
Exposure to terrifying acts, or even the anticipation of those acts, can stimulate us – both mentally and physically – in opposing ways
- Fright can trigger the release of adrenaline, resulting in heightened sensations and surging energy
- Another reason we seek horror is to gain novel experiences
- Horror entrainment may help us (safely) satisfy our curiosity about the dark side of human psyche
Benefits of consuming horror
Catalyst for falling in love: Co-experiencing horror together with a date may facilitate feelings of romance
- Conduit for social bonding: Consuming horror in a group is a great way to bond and connect with our friends and family
- Post-horror relaxation: A sense of relief arrives after a positive conclusion of the experience (e.g., the evil entity gets obliterated), triggering the release of endorphins in our brain
When can we derive pleasure from consuming horror?
There are three different categories of such frames
- We need to believe that we are physically safe – a safety frame
- The second category of protective frame involves detachment – whether we can psychologically detach from a horror experience
- Confidence – our confidence in controlling and managing the dangers we encounter
Who loves horror more?
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.
- Relatedly, the trait of openness to experience (or the need to engage in imaginative activities) is also a predictor of horror consumption.
- In addition, individual differences in empathy are associated with enjoyment.
