{
  "id": 17392362,
  "title": "Why We Like to Be Scared",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/why-we-like-to-be-scared",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-31T11:00:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Time",
    "slug": "time",
    "url": "https://time.com/article/2026/10/31/why-we-like-to-be-scared/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In times of economic uncertainty, fears about artificial intelligence, and geopolitical tensions, scary fiction is in high demand. Horror stories dominate both book sales and movie theaters, with a recent surge in box office success for original horror films. But why do we enjoy being scared? The thrill of adrenaline is one factor, but research suggests that curiosity about dangerous situations may be the driving force. Morbid curiosity motivates us to learn about dangers, a trait shared by all animals. Horror provides a safe environment for us to test our limits and gain a sense of control in an uncertain world. Some horror fans are \"white knucklers\" who enjoy the challenge of overcoming fear, while others seek horror as a way to process feelings of anxiety and dread. This group, called \"dark copers,\" report higher psychological resilience during times of stress, such as the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The appeal of horror lies in its ability to provide a safe sandbox for exploring dangerous situations, allowing us to learn about risks without facing real consequences. Human beings are uniquely curious about potential dangers thanks to our ability to ask \"What if?\" We create detailed scenarios of encounters with various beings, both known and imagined. In real life, facing danger is costly, but horror offers a safe way to learn about risks. Generation after generation, horror reflects the anxieties of its time. In the 1940s and 1950s, atomic bombs sparked a wave of radiation-themed horror. The Cold War era saw films like \"Invasion of the Body Snatchers\" exploring governmental paranoia. In the 21st century, horror delves into mental health, trauma, social issues, and even the eerie feeling of meaninglessness in modern society. The rise in popularity of horror could be linked to rising social anxieties, such as the lack of purpose and mental health concerns among younger generations. Horror stories offer a way to confront these issues in a controlled, imaginative setting, helping us better understand and cope with our own fears and uncertainties.",
  "summary": "The world has always been full of things that frighten us. One way we work through these fears is by watching horror, writes Coltan Scrivner.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}