Emotions are at the core of being human. Some are positive and people love to feel happy, laugh, and experience love. Sorrow, anger, and other negative emotions are not pleasant.
However, there is one negative emotion that many people do enjoy: fear. It serves a useful purpose in helping us avoid danger but there are those who seek it out for fun.
How Fear Affects the Body and Brain
Visiting a haunted attraction in Maryland during Halloween, watching a horror movie, and riding a scary roller coaster are typical activities that some people just can’t get enough of. Fear has a distinct effect on the brain and the body.
The senses pick up clues from the environment and send them to the brain. There are sights, sounds, and smells that can be perceived as threats to safety. The thalamus is the part of the brain that sends information to the amygdala to be processed further.
If the amygdala determines the presence of a threat, it activates the fear response and the body releases adrenalin and cortisol to prepare for a flight or fright response.
Why People Enjoy Fear
Adrenaline gets the heart racing and the blood pumping to get the body ready for the action needed to save itself. This rush of adrenaline is a pleasurable thrill to people who enjoy being scared. It makes them feel alive.
When they are scared in a controlled environment where they know nothing bad is going to happen, people can enjoy the physiological effects of fear without a true threat.
Escapism is another part of scary attractions that people love. Getting away from real life once in a while is fun and healthy.
Although it’s not for everyone, many people enjoy entertainment and activities that give them a bit of fright. Fortunately, there are plenty of them available.
