Blood curling screams erupt from dark corners. People sprint past you, fear in their eyes as a gory clown or axe murderer chases them down. Groups shuffle through bloody floors, huddled together–a method of protection. Flashing lights barely illuminate chaos enfolding in the maze of rooms. Your heart is racing and pounding in your chest, eyes dilating, breathing becoming rapid. Your gaze darts back and forth, trying to spot the next threat. One might wonder how someone would find themselves in such a situation, and the answer is simple. They paid for it.
Over generations of Halloween, and even throughout the year, fear has become a tradition. Whether it be horror movies, haunted houses, scare mazes or more, people find a plethora of opportunities to induce the frightened feeling many are familiar with. Fear is a product of evolution, for protection and to defend against predators. So why is it a feeling that people chase?
Some think the feeling is exciting and are drawn to it.
“I just like that feeling, like the scared feeling, you know?” freshman Kathleen Lambe said. “And, I like watching suspenseful movies. It keeps me intrigued.”
But what really is this scary feeling? According to Cleveland Clinic, when we get scared, the part of our brain that triggers the flight or fight response makes the adrenal gland release stress hormones known as adrenaline and cortisol. Then, these trigger endorphins and dopamine.
Another reason why spooky season is enjoyable is because we do these activities in a safe environment which controls our brain’s natural reaction, but still releases the dopamine and endorphins. Examples of this can be doing haunted houses in a group or watching scary movies with friends.
Although being scared releases chemicals that make us feel better, not everyone enjoys the feeling. Some of it depends on how others around them react to scary moments. According to UCLA, when you are afraid you can feel things are shaking, shortness of breath, numbness, muscle pain, nausea, sweating or blank thoughts. As you enter this state of panic, the brain receives less blood, making your thoughts become more distorted and less rational. These symptoms, however, are overall harmless, and temporary.
When afraid, emotions become amplified and when with other people, bonds can become amplified. Oxytocin is a hormone that can be released when stressed or in fear. According to Harvard, it is mainly released during childbirth, and it promotes positive feelings. It is commonly called “the love hormone,” or “the bonding hormone.” When your brain releases oxytocin when you are scared, it will give a sense of connection with the people you are experiencing the activity with.
“I like to be scared because it makes me feel alive and pushes me out of my comfort zone. When it’s over, the relief and laughter make it even better,” sophomore Ari Kalan wrote to the Talon.
For many students, a big part of enjoying fearful experiences is the social aspect.
“The funniest part about horror movies is watching them with your friends because you can kind of see their reactions … I wouldn’t watch horror movies by myself,” senior Lou Benard said.
While Oak Park students do enjoy fear, others find this attraction irrational and unnecessary.
“I hate to be scared and I think it’s really interesting that people like to be scared and would pay money [for it]. Just walk in a sketchy street in the middle of the night, it’s basically the same thing,” sophomore Sandra Shi said. “If the only way for you to feel enjoyment is to simulate risking your life and being on the verge of death, I think you need to do some serious self reflection.”
