Karra Smith, Contributor |

Fear centered content is created and consumed every day by all sorts of people, but the reason for its popularity goes way beyond a simple thrill

Research done by the Harvard Business Review, highlights that not only does getting scared trigger an adrenaline rush, but it also helps the human mind gain experience and knowledge by picturing ourselves in those situations. By creating these hypotheticals, we become more confident in our abilities to handle similar conflicts should they arise.

Horror movies and similar media also create an opportunity for humans to explore and indulge in the dark side of their psyche while still remaining safe and secure. In order to remain grounded during these explorations it’s recommended that an individual reminds themselves that they are physically safe while also creating a detachment from the horror aspect itself. This may mean reminding oneself that they can turn off the form of media or exit the situation at any time with no consequences. 

A person’s reaction to a fear content can also vary depending on three main factors. Dr. Lynn Alden said in an article by The Ubyssey that the primary responses are biological, cognitive, and social. The biological response may appear in a person who is queasy around gore. The cognitive response may be triggered by a person who is honed in on specific details and psychological aspects of a film. Finally, the social factor is dependent on the environment an individual is surrounded by. If a group of friends is watching a scary movie and someone is not reacting to a thrilling scene, it is more likely that the whole friend group will not react as well. 

The horror genre primarily focuses on invoking disgust and terror within its audience while also providing a form of entertainment. The process behind making a scary movie is said to be a challenging one because of all the moving parts. 

When examining the parts of a horror film, it is easy to get caught up in the plot and the adrenaline that may be pumping — however focusing on what is inducing fear in that moment, can be almost as intriguing as whatever conflict may be arising. 

The composition of a shot, mixed with spooky lighting, as well as haunting music, can create the perfect atmosphere for a scare. These parts all play into why an individual may have more of a physical reaction as opposed to a psychological one. The viewing of scary content can be satisfying to the human psyche when explored safely. It is important to remember your boundaries when it comes to potentially triggering media and to acknowledge that you can turn off a scary movie at any time. 

Karra Smith is a Contributor for The Reflector 2024-2025.