Why People Love Horror Games and Movies, Yet Hate Real-life Scenarios
The human psyche has an inherent fascination with the unknown and the terrifying. This is evident in our love for horror games and movies, which allow us to experience fear without the actual peril. However, the same fascination can be a discomforter in real-life situations that mirror these fictional scenarios. This article explores the psychological reasons behind this paradox, emphasizing why we are drawn to horror and why we dread such situations in reality.
Escapism Through Horror
One reason for the enduring popularity of horror games and movies is escapism. In a safe and controlled environment, we can explore our fears vicariously through on-screen characters, confined to a fictional narrative. This emotional experience is made possible by two key factors:
1. Controlled Environment: Horror games and movies present a scenario where danger is contained. From a distance, we confront fright instincts without the actual physical peril. This environment allows us to survive the horror of a scary movie or game, experiencing the fear but not its consequences.
2. Social and Cultural Angle: It is a culturally accepted and socially safe way to express and share our primal fears. Horror movies and games are commonly discussed and consumed as a form of entertainment, providing a platform for collective fear exploration.
Personal and Societal Comfort
Relatability and shared experiences are crucial in ensuring the comfort of these fictional scenarios. When we watch a horror movie or play a horror game, we are part of a larger audience connected by our love for the genre. This sense of community mitigates the fear and provides a form of psychological comfort.
For instance, the thrills experienced in a scary movie are a communal experience. Knowing that others are either rooting for the protagonist to survive or sharing the thrill of the tension bonding us through shared moments of fear. This shared experience is nonexistent in real-life scenarios, making them inherently more distressing.
Psychological Paradox of Horror
The same reason why people love roller coasters yet hate being in real-life situations like those depicted in horror movies is rooted in the human body's fight or flight response. While fictional horror allows us to experience and process the fight or flight response in a safe environment, real-life encounters trigger a heightened state of alertness and vulnerability.
When we watch a horror movie, the threat is external and can be perceived in a detached manner. However, in real-life, fear feels personal and immediate. This personal and immediate danger makes real-life situations far more disturbing, as there is a substantial risk of actual harm or death.
The Role of Special Effects and Thrills
Another factor contributing to the allure of horror is the special effects and thrills they offer. Horror films and games are never dull; they are filled with remarkable visual and auditory experiences that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
1. Technological Innovation: Special effects in horror movies have advanced significantly, offering a dazzling array of visual techniques such as CGI, practical effects, and motion capture. These advancements contribute to the overall spectacle and contribute to the cinematic experience.
2. Mesmerizing Plots: Psychological horror, creature features, supernatural elements, and other sub-genres of horror offer a diverse range of stories that keep audiences engaged. This diversity ensures that no two horror experiences are the same, creating a new thrill every time.
The allure of these special effects and thrills is understandable, but it must be paired with the reality that these are simulations designed to be experienced on a screen or through a video game. In contrast, real-life situations lack the context and entertainment factor present in horror movies and games, rendering them far less palatable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the psychology of horror is deeply rooted in our love for thrills and adrenaline, which is why we enjoy horror games and movies. However, these experiences are confined to a safe and controlled environment, allowing us to navigate and process fear without the actual risk. Real-life scenarios, on the other hand, present an immediate and personal risk, making them far more distressing. Understanding these psychological nuances helps us appreciate why we love horror but dread the reality of such situations.