Getting a Thrill From Fear Should Be Counter-Intuitive
Yet, fear can be exciting, so there must be some benefit to intentionally scaring ourselves.
From time to time, especially around Halloween, I enjoy indulging in some good ol’ self-induced fear. Bring on the scary movies and haunted houses. Let’s check out that corn maze with the Freddie Krugers, Jasons, and clowns lurking around every corner. Yet, fear is meant to protect us from danger, fake or not, so why oh why do we put ourselves through such things?
To any thrill seekers or horror fans, the reason is obvious. There’s just something exciting about being scared. Our hearts pound, our adrenaline skyrockets, and every sense is on high alert. Then, once we remember we’re safe, sweet relief floods our system, and we feel euphoric for simply being alive. But now scientists think there’s more to it.
Fear the Survival Skill
We don’t need scientific evidence to understand the basic principles of why fear works so well as a survival skill. Fear keeps us alive by creating a strong emotional response to avoid people, places, or things that threaten our physical or mental wellbeing. Curiosity may lead us into a dangerous situation, but fear will ensure we don’t repeat the mistake. However, science can tell…
