Fear as a recurring theme in media

The attraction to fear and terror, despite the initial intimidation, has been a recurring theme in media consumption, as seen in the experience of watching movies like The Substance, written and directed by Coralie Fargeat, and other recent films such as Obsession, Longlegs, and Backrooms. This fascination with fear is also evident in the popularity of true crime, as seen in the success of television series like Monster by Ryan Murphy and the widespread appeal of true crime podcasts in France.

Psychological reasons for fear fascination

From a psychological perspective, fear-related content allows individuals to confront dangerous situations in a controlled setting, offering a way to exorcise fears and develop hypothetical strategies to deal with them. A study examining the reasons why women are attracted to stories of murders and serial killers found that the true crime genre fascinates women more than men, as they unconsciously seek to understand what could happen to them and how they could get out of such situations.

Expert insight on fear attraction

Dr. Anna Merolle, a psychologist, psychotherapist, and specialist in relational dynamics, explains that the attraction to what causes fear is guided by the search for strong sensations, a characteristic inherent to human nature. This fascination pushes individuals to explore worrying situations, confront their own apprehensions, and live experiences that, although anxiety-inducing, provide unique and intense thrills.

Psychological and physiological effects of horror

Watching a horror movie triggers complex psychological and physiological mechanisms. Initially, a mixture of impatience and anxiety is felt, accompanied by increased heart rate and muscle tension. When the movie begins, scary scenes stimulate the amygdala, triggering the "fight or flight" response and the release of adrenaline.

Emotional and social benefits of horror

Horror movies offer the possibility to explore intense emotions without exposing oneself to real dangers, allowing individuals to take on a personal challenge. Facing fears in this context can help understand them better and learn to master them. Sharing this experience with a partner or friends can strengthen emotional and interpersonal bonds through physical proximity and moments of complicity.

Differences in reactions between genders

Research has highlighted differences between the reactions of men and women to horror movies and true crime. Women tend to show more visible physical reactions, such as crying or covering their eyes, testifying to a more intense emotional response. Men, on the other hand, often try to maintain a controlled attitude, avoiding showing vulnerability and focusing more on the technical or narrative aspects of the movie, even though they also experience fear in some cases.

Human curiosity about the unknown

The fascination with fear comes from the fact that the human mind is naturally attracted to mystery and the unknown. Horror movies and true crime provoke a strong interest in the psychological mechanisms that push an individual to commit extreme acts of violence, whether it is horrifying representations or real news. These captivating stories allow individuals to explore the motivations, fears, and traumas that could influence a murderer's behavior, as well as to observe the emotional reactions of individuals facing terrifying situations.

Reflection on human nature and deviance

Investigating these aspects of the human mind, often considered taboo, opens a window into a reality as troubling as it is fascinating. An immersion that feeds deep reflection on human nature and the thin boundary that separates normality from deviance. The boundary between fear and pleasure is drawn in the thrill that fear provokes: when it is experienced as a form of entertainment, it can transform into a source of pleasure.