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Why Are Some People Attracted to Horror Movies?
The reason might be less creepy than you think
Do horror movies, violent computer games, and fearsome fiction appeal?
Whether you hid behind a cushion when the baddies appeared on Dr. Who when you were a kid (but inspected the show each week) or now sit through blood-curdling horror flicks, you succumb to the lure of ghastly vicarious viewing, but have you ever wondered why?
Humans are the only creatures who get a kick from nasty goings-on in movies or reading about them in novels — okay, hedgehogs and other animals have no choice, but you get the point.
Before TV, people viewed gladiators fighting and public executions. It was usual to do so then. Doubtless, the draw, and excitement of what from the outside looks like blood-lust, although tainted by social conditioning, arose from a similar cause as it does today.
If you watch horror, you might not necessarily enjoy the hair-raising on-screen events. Perhaps you are satisfied to discover you are safe, tucked in your armchair out of harm’s way. Observing others’ plight highlights your security. Then again, you might love the adrenaline surge or rooting for the good guys to survive.
