So why would we pay to watch a movie that inducesfear and terror?
Here we explore several of the theories behind why people like horror movies.
Below are among the most well-established explanations offered to explain this phenomenon.
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These long-ago experiences have granted people a highly responsive, albeit mostly unconscious, threat detection system.
In our everyday lives, we don’t encounter scary situations all that often.
But if we do encounter something threatening or dangerous, it attracts our attention.
More recent studies suggest that excitation transfer theory is still alive.
They also allow us to grapple with the darkest parts of humanity in a safe environment.
Who Likes Horror Movies?
Not everyone enjoys horror movies.
In fact, there are many who stay away from the genre as much as possible.
Psychology has provided some insight into the individual differences that make someone more likely to enjoy horror films.
This suggests that people who consume horror develop the ability to cope with stressful and anxiety-provoking situations.
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