Study explains why people like watching horror movies
People have always been fascinated by horror movies, despite the fear and anxiety they evoke. While it may seem counterintuitive to willingly subject oneself to a frightening experience, a recent study published in the journal Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B provides some insight into why people enjoy watching horror movies. According to the study, horror movies create a safe space for the brain to prepare for and predict unexpected events, making them a useful source of information for learning about potentially volatile and highly newsworthy scenarios.
The study suggests that horror movies serve as a form of “rehearsal” for the brain, allowing it to practice responding to threatening situations in a controlled environment. This idea is based on the concept of “rehearsal theory,” which proposes that people engage in activities that simulate real-life threats in order to prepare themselves for potential dangers. In the case of horror movies, the brain is able to simulate a response to a threatening situation, such as a monster or a natural disaster, without actually being in harm’s way.
One of the key findings of the study is that horror movies can provide a useful source of information for learning about potentially volatile and highly newsworthy scenarios. By watching horror movies, people can gain insight into how to respond to unexpected events, such as a pandemic or a natural disaster. The study states, “Horror films can provide a useful source of information for learning about potentially volatile and highly newsworthy scenarios.” This suggests that horror movies can serve as a form of “disaster preparedness” for the brain, allowing it to learn how to respond to unexpected events in a safe and controlled environment.
Another reason why people may enjoy watching horror movies is that they provide a sense of excitement and thrill. Horror movies often feature intense and suspenseful scenes, which can stimulate the brain’s reward system and release feel-good chemicals such as dopamine. This can create a sense of pleasure and enjoyment, even if the movie is scary or disturbing. Additionally, horror movies can provide a sense of social bonding, as people often watch them with friends or family members. This social aspect of horror movie watching can enhance the overall experience and make it more enjoyable.
The study also notes that horror movies can serve as a form of emotional release. By watching a horror movie, people can experience a range of emotions, including fear, anxiety, and excitement, in a safe and controlled environment. This can be therapeutic, as it allows people to process and release pent-up emotions in a healthy way. Furthermore, horror movies can provide a sense of catharsis, which is the purging of emotions through art or entertainment. By watching a horror movie, people can experience a sense of emotional release and purging, which can be beneficial for their mental health.
In addition to providing a safe space for the brain to prepare for and predict unexpected events, horror movies can also serve as a form of social commentary. Many horror movies feature themes and motifs that reflect societal fears and anxieties, such as the fear of death, the fear of the unknown, and the fear of being vulnerable. By watching horror movies, people can gain insight into the fears and anxieties of others, and develop a greater understanding of the human experience.
The study’s findings have implications for our understanding of human behavior and the role of horror movies in society. They suggest that horror movies are not just a form of entertainment, but also a way for people to prepare for and respond to unexpected events. By watching horror movies, people can develop a greater sense of resilience and preparedness, which can be beneficial in a variety of situations.
In conclusion, the study provides a fascinating insight into why people enjoy watching horror movies. By creating a safe space for the brain to prepare for and predict unexpected events, horror movies can serve as a useful source of information for learning about potentially volatile and highly newsworthy scenarios. Whether it’s the thrill of excitement, the sense of social bonding, or the emotional release, horror movies offer a unique experience that can be both entertaining and beneficial. As the study states, “Horror films can provide a useful source of information for learning about potentially volatile and highly newsworthy scenarios.” So the next time you’re watching a horror movie, remember that your brain is not just being entertained, it’s also being prepared for the unexpected.
News source: https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rstb.2022.0425
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