Why do we like being scared?
By Summer Caldarella
Why do we like being scared at Halloween time? Why do we put ourselves through endless haunted houses, horror movies, and creepy costumes? Being jumpscared, creeped, and spooked is a staple of Halloween, but why do we like it so much?
What is being scared?
We can’t understand why we enjoy being scared before we understand what it means to be scared in the first place. Being scared is what psychologists define as a natural protective, primal emotion that evokes a biochemical and emotional response. Humans developed fear as a survival mechanism to keep us alive in fight-or-flight situations, but now it is a highly experienced emotion in stressful situations.
Why do we get scared on Halloween?
When you think about Halloween, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Creepy crawlies, monsters, or scary films? Do you wonder why these are such popular traditions during the Halloween season? Halloween originated from an ancient Celtic festival which took place on the day before their New Year’s. They believed that on this day, the line between the dead and the living became blurred. The Celts thought that ghosts returned to Earth on this night. This brought us the scary image of Halloween we see today.
Why is being scared fun?
Being scared is fun because the part of the brain that controls fear also controls happiness. When you get scared, the brain releases dopamine. And when the brain realizes that what you’re being scared of isn’t actually a threat, all that’s left is that excited feeling.
Being scared is a major part of Halloween, and whether you love it or hate it, everyone can agree that it isn’t Halloween without a few spooks.
Info from:
https://www.bps.org.uk/blog/why-do-we-be-scared-psychology-fear-fright-nights-and-exploring-unknown
