Sep 14, 2021 04:53 AM
New research accepted for publication in the journal Psychological Science reveals that horror entertains us most effectively when it triggers a distinct physical response -- measured by changes in heart rate -- but is not so scary that we become overwhelmed. That fine line between fun and an unpleasant experience can vary from person to person.
"By investigating how humans derive pleasure from fear, we find that there seems to be a 'sweet spot' where enjoyment is maximized," said Marc Malmdorf Andersen, a researcher at the Interacting Minds Center at Aarhus University and lead author of the paper. "Our study provides some of the first empirical evidence on the relationship between fear, enjoyment, and physical arousal in recreational forms of fear."
More details: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/20...184003.htm
When we're not in actual present danger, it's kind of fun to be scared. I think whether we are reading a book, listening to music, watching a film...we want to be affected by it in some way, right? To experience an emotional ''reaction.'' A really good horror movie with a realistic plot, can definitely trigger that.
The scariest movie I've seen in the past five years is probably Paranormal Activity and what is so gripping about this film is there were no monsters, zombies or ghosts, rather the humans themselves are to be feared. To me, that ''dark realism'' taps into something different and can last long after you've finished watching a film. If it makes me peek around a pillow that I'm nervously holding against my face, it's a good movie. ; )
"By investigating how humans derive pleasure from fear, we find that there seems to be a 'sweet spot' where enjoyment is maximized," said Marc Malmdorf Andersen, a researcher at the Interacting Minds Center at Aarhus University and lead author of the paper. "Our study provides some of the first empirical evidence on the relationship between fear, enjoyment, and physical arousal in recreational forms of fear."
More details: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/20...184003.htm
When we're not in actual present danger, it's kind of fun to be scared. I think whether we are reading a book, listening to music, watching a film...we want to be affected by it in some way, right? To experience an emotional ''reaction.'' A really good horror movie with a realistic plot, can definitely trigger that.
The scariest movie I've seen in the past five years is probably Paranormal Activity and what is so gripping about this film is there were no monsters, zombies or ghosts, rather the humans themselves are to be feared. To me, that ''dark realism'' taps into something different and can last long after you've finished watching a film. If it makes me peek around a pillow that I'm nervously holding against my face, it's a good movie. ; )