No Stupid Questions 126. Why Do People Love Horror Movies?
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Dec 11, 2022 Why do we love to be scared? The hosts dive into the allure of horror movies, discussing our fascination with negative emotions and personal anecdotes about favorite films. They examine the concept of benign masochism, explaining why some seek thrills through fear and discomfort. Philosophical musings on emotional catharsis in art arise, as they ponder Aristotle's views on horror. Finally, they tackle the impact of algorithms on personal choices, highlighting emotional dilemmas in modern dating and the consumption of negative media.
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Angela's Horror Movie Habits
- Angela Duckworth realizes she hasn't watched horror movies since her 20s.
- This aligns with data showing horror film viewership declining with age.
Sensation Seeking and Horror
- Sensation-seeking behavior, like watching horror films, peaks in late adolescence and early adulthood.
- This explains why younger people are more drawn to horror.
Benign Masochism
- Psychologist Paul Rozin coined the term "benign masochism" to describe enjoying negative experiences.
- This includes activities like watching horror movies, eating spicy foods, and riding roller coasters.