Unexplainable Why is horror so fun?
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Oct 30, 2024 Mathias Clasen and Marc Andersen, co-directors of the Recreational Fear Lab at Aarhus University, dive into the thrill of horror. They explore why we both seek and avoid fear, discussing how haunted houses and roller coasters provide unique enjoyment. Their research reveals that mild fear can enhance curiosity and fun. They also highlight how horror can serve as a tool for stress management, especially during tough times like the COVID pandemic, suggesting therapeutic benefits in facing fear through storytelling.
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Mathias's Horror Fascination
- Mathias Clasen, a horror enthusiast, enjoys being disturbed by scary books.
- He's puzzled by his own enjoyment of horror, leading him to study it.
Horror Paradox
- Fleeing from scary situations promotes survival from an evolutionary perspective.
- The enjoyment of horror creates a paradox: why seek out what we should avoid?
Unlikely Collaboration
- Mathias Clasen, a literature professor, teamed up with Mark Andersen, a cognitive science researcher, to study horror.
- Andersen, despite not enjoying horror himself, was intrigued by its paradox.