Fear, Even my 9 yr old says, is an illusion. Wake up...

Lynn MacLeod

Madison, OH · 3 months ago

I think that’s actually way more scientifically valid than a lot of people even realize. I remember reading a couple studies years ago about horror films, haunted houses etc., and why we “enjoy” watching them. Something about the exposure to horrific, terrifying, and/or shockingly random events, and how our brains are designed to react to them in almost the same way it would be if we were experiencing the event ourselves. We receive a milder dose of those nice happy chemicals like adrenaline and dopamine as the brain simulates previously unknown, dangerous scenarios. So as we’re just sitting on the couch staring at the screen, our brain is testing out all sorts of reactions to what we’re seeing without us even having to consciously think through them. Of course, sometimes we do - at least I know I did while watching the SAW series back in the day lol