Fear is typically associated with negative emotions, so why do some people enjoy the thrill of being scared? It’s an interesting question if you think about it: what makes individuals drawn to scary movies, haunted houses, or horror stories? The mind works in fascinating ways. Fear is an essential survival mechanism that allows us to react to potential threats, whether through experiences or observations. During the spooky season, many students at CdM enjoy that adrenaline rush, participating in whatever scary festivities that get their hearts racing.
Fear can cause stress and irrational decision-making; however, context matters. When we’re scared in real life, our safety is genuinely at risk, but in controlled environments, we can enjoy fear without danger. “Being scared in real life, the adrenaline isn’t enjoyable because your life would actually be on the line,” says CdM junior Sonia Bushueva, “but in a controlled setting, you are in charge of what happens.” The controlled environment, watching horror movies, or walking through haunted mazes, allows people to experience fear safely. Bushueva continues, “It’s enjoyable because you can be in the comfort of your own home, tucked in a blanket, while still feeling that heart-pounding feeling.”
CdM junior Marina Barboza agrees, noting that fear can actually sharpen awareness. “Fear grounds you in real life. It makes people think a certain way and use critical thinking in an unexpected situation,” she says. “Even when you’re scared during a horror movie, you know you’re safe and in your house or a movie theater, but you don’t have that reassurance when it’s something serious or actually happening to you.” The ability to distinguish between real and imagined fear allows us to find enjoyment in what would otherwise be overwhelming.
When frightened, it’s natural for our muscles to tense or our hearts to race. For some, that rush is the most exciting part. “I tense up and close my eyes shut when I get scared, but I enjoy the adrenaline rush, especially when I’m at Knott’s Scary Farm or Universal Studios Horror Nights, it’s very scary but thrilling,” says Bushueva. She adds that scary movies like Scream are her favorite, “The eerie and suspenseful feeling you get from a jump scare is fun.” Barboza adds, “When I’m scared, I grab onto the closest thing to me, but I love the adrenaline rush. When watching a scary movie, like A Quiet Place, it’s easy to get lost in the movie and get scared.” Being scared in a safe environment becomes a shared experience, one that brings people closer through laughter and adrenaline.
Scientifically, fear involves both biochemical and emotional reactions. According to the Cleveland Clinic, fear activates the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for the fight or flight response, which causes our adrenal glands to release adrenaline and cortisol. This triggers dopamine and endorphins, creating excitement and even euphoria. The British Psychological Society describes this as “hijacking the natural flight response and enjoying it,” similar to the thrill of a roller coaster. Not everyone enjoys that feeling, as past experiences can make fear deeply unpleasant, but for many, it’s an exhilarating escape.
Ultimately, fear connects people. It allows us to step outside our comfort zones and experience something thrilling in a safe setting. Whether screaming through a haunted maze, covering our eyes during a jump scare, or laughing after the tension fades, fear can create excitement, bonding, and even joy, almost allowing us to cope with scary situations. It’s an emotion that reminds us of our humanity and that sometimes being scared can be a surprisingly fun experience.
