Horror movies evoke fear yet captivate audiences due to complex brain mechanisms. The amygdala triggers fear responses, while the prefrontal cortex allows for controlled enjoyment. This blend of thrill releases dopamine, creating pleasure. Additionally, horror films offer emotional regulation, social bonding, and cultural reflection, encapsulating our primal instincts and modern anxieties.
Tag Archives: fear
Your Brain… On Horror
Have you ever curled up with a horror novel, heart pounding, jumping at every little noise in your house, yet you couldn’t put the book down? Or maybe you’ve binged through a horror series, feeling both terrified and utterly captivated. Ever wonder what’s going on in your noggin during those intense moments of fear andContinue reading “Your Brain… On Horror”
Why Do People Like to be Frightened?
No, really, why?
When I was conducting research for my dissertation, I was faced with this very question. As a person who creates horror fiction, I had never really considered the reasons why horror fiction was popular.
L. Marie Wood 