As spooky season lurks before us, we’re tangled in a net of our own doings. We sit in our friend’s living room, watching the newest horror movie through the gaps between our fingers. We stand before a haunted house we saw advertised on a sketchy website, not knowing why on earth we’re going in. And that’s the real question. What leads to someone buckling into a 300-ft drop roller coaster, eyes shut, hands trembling, but then getting in line to do it again? Why do we love the thrill so much?

The truth is, not everyone is a fan. Some people despise thrilling roller coasters and gory horror movies. But others relish a good old-fashioned scary movie marathon on the 31st. One’s enjoyment (or lack of it) all depends on how they evaluate the alleged danger that they must overcome and the implications of their fight or flight response. 

Thrilling, scary experiences usually invoke a sense of danger in people. We’re aware that the characters on TV aren't hiding behind our bedroom door, but we feel that rush of adrenaline and fear, regardless. When on a roller coaster, we know that an indoor drop isn’t a free fall into oblivion. Instead, it’s a scary and safe way to face and overcome danger and fear. Thus, overcoming that “danger” by finishing the movie or roller coaster gives us pride and allows us to feel a rush of adrenaline without being in actual danger. Conversely, the feeling of danger or other negative stimuli can also lead to others not wanting to partake in a scary experience. According to Harvard Business Review, those that don’t desire specific sensations like thrill are more likely not to appreciate horror and scary experiences. 

In a more psychological sense, a terrifying experience can also lead to acute stress arousal, also known as “fight or flight,” noted by CSP Global. This response, activated by the hypothalamus, can trigger a release of epinephrine. This works to increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and other nervous reactions. During the ride or movie, dopamine also plays a big role, as one gets excited to be rewarded or survive the experience. Conquering the danger by finishing a movie or getting off the roller coasters allows for the release of endorphins, giving us a sense of satisfaction. The moment we get off that roller coaster, knowing that we won, we want to do it again. And for this, we thank our reward-based neurotransmitters. These add to thrilling experiences, intertwining biological responses to danger with a chemical reward for overcoming it. Overall, even if it may not feel like it, our brains reward us for watching a scary movie or getting on a scary coaster. The thrill from adrenaline and the release of feel-good neurotransmitters greatly aid with this. 

So this October, have the best Scream binge this world has ever seen, and grab your friends to ride King’s Dominion’s Drop Tower (if you’re up for the thrill). It’s those little adventures that paint our world with fear and fun. 

Information retrieved from Harvard Business Review, Quinnipiac University, Science Direct, Very Well Mind, CSP Global, Nightmare of Film Street, Daily Targum, John Hopkin’s University, FHE Health, Medical Press, SciAm, Discover Magazine, Medical XPress, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, About Theme Parks, NPR, HBR, and Psychology Today.