StarTalk Radio BOO! The Science of Scary with Mathias Clasen & Heather Berlin
Oct 19, 2021
Mathias Clasen, a horror scholar and director of the Recreational Fear Lab, and Heather Berlin, a neuroscientist and authority on fear, dive into why we love being scared. They uncover the psychology behind our fascination with horror, revealing that fear can be both thrilling and pleasurable. The duo also explores how personal experiences shape our reactions to fear, the neurochemistry behind it, and the therapeutic uses of horror. They even share their favorite spooky films, highlighting horror's cultural significance and emotional impact.
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Jump Scare
- The jump scare, a common horror trope, triggers a basic startle reflex.
- This reflex is shared with animals and is effective despite being seen as cheap.
Jordan Peele's "Get Out"
- Jordan Peele used horror to tell a progressive story in "Get Out."
- This challenged the perception of horror as lowbrow entertainment.
Horror vs. Thrill
- Heather Berlin explains that the physiological response to horror is the same as other thrill-seeking activities.
- The perception and interpretation, however, depend on context and individual baselines of stimulation.
