Boo! Feeling scared?

2–3 minutes

Psychology behind the love of fear

Staff Writer

Horror movies have long fascinated people, providing a glimpse into human psychology. What draws some to the thrill of fear while others avoid it? Why would people watch horror movies, visit horror attractions, or engage in other fear-inducing experiences? The reason lies in how our brains respond to the surge of horror and frightening experiences.

Ritishia Saxena (11), finds horror movies exhilarating. “I like it because of the feeling of excitement it gives me.” Despite the common belief that people watch horror films only during Halloween, Saxena said, “I watch horror movies year-round because I like them a lot.” She believes the thrill comes primarily from the music. “It is the scariest part of a horror movie because it builds suspense.” Yet, Saxena draws the line at films like The Human Centipede. “It’s not even scary, it’s disgusting,” she said, highlighting the difference between fear and revulsion.

So, why do people like Saxena revel in fear? According to Psychology teacher Mrs. Franklin, “Some people might enjoy being scared because of the strong adrenaline rush they experience.”

This rush takes different forms in people. Mrs. Franklin stated,“Humans react differently; the fight, flight, or freeze reaction comes into play. While some people don’t know how to react to being scared, for many, it’s an energy boost.” She continued, “This sensation can make people feel truly alive.” In this context, fear transforms into a rousing experience, a dynamic interplay that is a compelling source of stimulation for many and keeps audiences returning to horror films.

Much of this fear is connected to the brain’s complex chemistry. During intense scenarios, the amygdala is vital in processing fear. When feeling fear, “the amygdala is the most active part of the brain,” said Mrs. Franklin. Activity in the amygdala triggers physiological reactions. “Your heart beats faster, you sweat, and even [involuntarily] scream,” she added. Through such primal reactions, fear becomes something people find thrilling and electrifying.

Mrs. Franklin noted, “Halloween, for many people, is their favorite holiday because of the adrenaline rush they receive and the fear they can cause in other people.”

Caption: A person sits wide-eyed in a dark theater, gripped by both fear and excitement as their brain processes the thrill of horror. Mrs Franklin explained, “The amygdala is the most active part of the brain,” showing how fear triggers the nervous system in our brains to release neurotransmitters such as dopamine or adrenaline. (PC: Carolyn Baskar John (11))