Credits: Social Media
Watching horror films taps into ‘ancient survival instincts’ and serves ‘evolutionary purpose,’ psychiatrist says
Whats in a ghosts nose? Boo-gers.
OK, but its allowed, because its Halloween season, and were talking about horror movies. Specifically: Why do people love them so much, and what goes on in our brains when we watch scary films? Far from the world of real-life nasties and romantic flicks (yuck!), horror movies may serve an evolutionary purpose, one psychiatrist tells me. Meanwhile, a biopsychologist suggests watching scary stuff onscreen makes us more resilient in everyday situations.
Watching horror films taps into ancient survival instincts and serves an evolutionary purpose
Scary films present our brains with a paradox.
When we watch something terrifying on screen, our brains enter a state of hyper-alertness, says Dr Misbah Sadiq. Shes a doctor specializing in psychiatry.
The amygdala becomes highly activated thats the part of the brain that processes fear. This results in the classic fight or flight response: our heart rate increases, we might start to sweat, and we cant look away no matter how gruesome it is.
But the rational part of our brain understands that the threat isnt real, and this is what draws people to horror films, Dr Sadiq says. The brain enjoys the safe thrill, since it gives us a way to experience adrenaline without facing genuine danger.
This controlled exposure to fear may serve an evolutionary purpose, she adds, since it allows us to confront and process fear, as if we were undergoing exposure therapy in a clinical setting.
There’s also the social bonding aspect, she explains. Watching horror movies with others can foster a sense of community and shared experience, which may also be rooted in ancient survival instincts.
Dr Misbah Sadiq works at Asana Lodge, a rehabilitation clinic and addiction recovery center.
Horror movies train our brains to separate real threats from imagined ones
Dr Mary Poffenroth tells me horror films tap into deep-rooted neurobiological mechanisms by engaging our brains in unique ways while providing a safe space for confronting fear.
An attraction to watching scary movies can reveal a complex relationship with fear and thrill-seeking behavior, rather than anything negative.
For some, its an exploration of their boundaries and an opportunity for catharsis experiencing fear without actual danger can lead to feelings of relief and exhilaration once the film ends.
She talks about finding the sweet spot that offers exciting anxiety that is free from actual fear, and explains that this recreational fear allows us to confront anxieties safely, potentially making us more resilient in everyday situations.
Does this mean we can become addicted to the horror genre, or frightening experiences? For Dr Poffenroth, a love of recreational fear doesnt manifest as an addiction in the neurobiological sense.
Instead, it reflects a personality trait known as sensation seeking people who enjoy horror often have higher scores in this area, indicating they crave intense experiences.
Do you count yourself among them?
Dr Mary Poffenroth is a biopsychologist and author of Brave New You, a book about anxiety, stress, and other everyday fears that hold us back.
