 Horror/Scary: September 23, 2020 Issue [#10383] |
This week: Why do people like horror? Edited by: Angus  
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“Now take my hand and hold it tight.
I will not fail you here tonight,
For failing you, I fail myself
And place my soul upon a shelf
In Hell’s library without light,
I will not fail you here tonight.”
From The Book of Counted Sorrows
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Why do people like horror?
Let me start this off with the question, why do I write horror?
I’ve been asked this question so many times it makes my head want to explode, sending bits of my skull and parts of my brain matter—well, you get the picture. I always want to answer (but rarely do), “Why not?”
As human beings, we all have a curious nature. If we drive by a terrible car accident, the majority of people are going to slow down to see just how terrible it was. Even if we don’t want to, we’re still going to sneak a peek to see something we wish we wouldn’t have.
A lot of people don’t or won’t read my stories. I totally understand that (I also write some comedy). Horror isn’t for everybody. But some WdC members (who aren’t too particularly keen on the horror genre) that know me well enough and know what they’re getting into have read my stories, either out of curiosity or friendship, and told me they weren’t too bad.
So the question is: why do people like horror?
Believe it or not, there’s actually been some research done on this subject by some respectable psychologists and others.
According to Irving Biederman, a specialist in cognitive neuroscience at USC, being frightened can be exhilarating, and even addictive for some. “We like novelty, something that departs from our everyday experience. Some of the attraction of being scared comes from the deviation of having a new experience that we know is safe.”
Mathias Clasen at the School of Communication and Culture, Aarhus University, Denmark, believes the answer lies in human nature. His research suggested that as humans evolved, they wanted to find pleasure in situations that allowed them to experience negative emotions in a safe context. He used the children’s game of hide and seek as a somewhat bizarre example of predatory/prey interaction. The kid hides and the adult pretends to be a troll or a predator, searching for the child while growling like a dangerous beast (so that’s what’s wrong with me! Gee, thanks Uncle Billy!  ) This simulation gives the child crucial information about how to avoid becoming prey, and children tend to find that kind of activity deeply satisfying.
When it comes to horror films, Alex Ago, director of programming and special projects at the USC School of Cinematic Arts, adds, “Conquering the fear of death is at the core of all horror films. It’s the way in which that problem is presented by the film that speaks to the specifics of the society at any given time.”
And then there’s the opinion of Angus, a Moderator and writer at Writing.Com: “Even though I’ve never done any research on this subject myself, I think the reasons can vary from individual to individual, and I don’t think any of the reasons that were set forth above are set in cement. Personally, I just enjoy the adrenaline rush!” 
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My question this month is: Of all the famous legendary horror creatures/characters (vampires, werewolves, monsters, psychopaths, et cetera), either from books or film, which one is your favorite?
My last question was: Do you think horror will become more popular or less popular in the next few years?
PastorJuan
A very enjoyable newsletter. I like Zombie stories but have never had the motivation to write one. Thanks for writing on the subject. God bless you.
wdwilcox
So much good stuff all packed together in one newsletter
Sumojo
I think people will always want to be safely scared out of their wits. So no, horror stories will never lose their popularity.
s
Will horror become more or less popular?
By sheer coincidence, I have been writing about the future of publishing for a university essay, and the general consensus is that at trying times, times of great social upheaval, and times when there is mistrust in rulers, horror sees an increase in sales and popularity. So, I think that with the world sitting on the edge of a precipice of racial explosivity, with our leaders being questioned, with science itself being questioned, with a virus that will not go away... horror is here to stay. I've sold 20 pieces this year already, so, it's been good for me!
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