StarTalk Radio BOO! The Science of Scary with Mathias Clasen & Heather Berlin
Oct 19, 2021
Mathias Clasen, a horror scholar and director of the Recreational Fear Lab, and Heather Berlin, a neuroscientist and authority on fear, dive into why we love being scared. They uncover the psychology behind our fascination with horror, revealing that fear can be both thrilling and pleasurable. The duo also explores how personal experiences shape our reactions to fear, the neurochemistry behind it, and the therapeutic uses of horror. They even share their favorite spooky films, highlighting horror's cultural significance and emotional impact.
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Physiology of Horror
- Horror fans experience physiological fear responses like sweating and rapid heart rate.
- They also experience simultaneous joy, creating a "sweet spot" for optimal enjoyment.
Horror and Mental Health
- Studies suggest horror fans had better mental health during the pandemic.
- This may be due to practice with fear regulation and coping mechanisms.
Racist Zombies
- Neil deGrasse Tyson mentions a Key and Peele sketch about racist zombies.
- The zombies ignore Black people and only eat white people.
