Fear. Just hearing the word can make your skin crawl, right? It’s the primal sensation that has kept our species alive for thousands of years. It tells you when to run, when to hide, and—on rare occasions—when to face danger head-on. But for something designed to keep us alive, fear has this funny habit of becoming addictive. Why is that? Why do we love scaring ourselves silly? Let’s dive into the nature of fear and why it’s one of the most strangely satisfying emotions we experience.
Fear: Your Brain’s Alarm System
Fear is your brain’s way of screaming, “Yo, something’s not right here!” Whether it’s a shadowy figure in the corner of your room or a giant spider descending from the ceiling, your fight-or-flight response is what keeps you from becoming someone’s dinner (or at least feeling like you might).
This response is ancient. Like, caveman ancient. Back then, if something unknown or abnormal crossed your path, it probably wasn’t a harmless TikTok trend—it was a saber-toothed tiger or a rival tribe. Your brain developed this nifty system to flood your body with adrenaline, spike your heart rate, and make you ready to bolt or battle.
Fast forward to today, and our threats are usually less life-or-death (unless you’re in traffic during rush hour). But our bodies still react the same way. We’re hardwired to fear what’s unknown, strange, or other. It’s a survival instinct.
When Fear Becomes a Problem
The downside? Fear can also be a total jerk. It’s not always helpful, and in many cases, it holds us back.
Fear of failure can stop you from pursuing your dream job. Fear of rejection can keep you from telling someone how you feel. Fear of “the other” can lead to biases, discrimination, and even hate. We’ve all seen how irrational fears of people who are different can spiral into something harmful. That’s fear at its absolute worst—when it becomes a wall instead of a shield.
We all carry around these little personal fears, too. Public speaking, heights, spiders (again with the spiders), or even just trying sushi for the first time. The fight-or-flight system doesn’t really care whether the threat is real; it’s going to go off like a fire alarm either way.
Fear, But Make It Fun
And yet, fear can also be… amazing? Yep, that’s the paradox of fear. While it can paralyze us in real life, we actively seek it out in safe, controlled doses for fun.
Think about the last time you watched a horror movie. You knew the killer clown wasn’t actually going to crawl out of the TV. But for those 90 minutes, you were totally immersed in that terror. Your heart raced, your palms got sweaty, and when the jump scare hit, you probably screamed and laughed at yourself immediately after. That’s the beauty of fear in entertainment: it’s thrilling because it feels real, but you’re safe the whole time.
Horror lets us confront the darkest corners of the human experience—monsters, ghosts, serial killers, the whole terrifying shebang—but with zero actual risk. It’s like emotional bungee jumping. And the best part? You get to walk away from it completely intact.
Why We’re Addicted to Scaring Ourselves
This is why horror books, movies, and haunted houses are so popular: they scratch a very specific itch. Fear raises your blood pressure, floods you with adrenaline, and gives you that sweet, sweet dopamine rush when it’s all over. It’s a high.
Plus, fear forces us to expand our worldview. Through horror, we explore new ideas and concepts we might never think about otherwise. What if ghosts are real? What if the guy next door is secretly a vampire? Horror forces us to face uncomfortable questions in a way that’s exciting, not overwhelming.
It’s no surprise, then, that fear can become an addiction. You’ve probably heard people say, “I hate horror movies, but I can’t stop watching them.” That’s the addiction kicking in. We love pushing ourselves to the edge of our comfort zones, even if we don’t admit it.
My Love Affair with Fear (and Making Others Feel It)
Personally, I’m obsessed with horror—not just experiencing it, but creating it. Writing horror is like playing god in a world of shadows and screams. I love the idea of putting people in situations where they can feel that delicious sense of dread, knowing they’re completely safe the whole time.
When I write a scary story, I want you to be afraid to turn the page. I want you to check under your bed at night, even though you know there’s nothing there. It’s a little twisted, sure, but there’s nothing more satisfying than knowing I’ve creeped someone out. Horror writing lets me share that addictive thrill of fear with others, and honestly, it’s the most fun I’ve ever had.
Embracing Fear Without Letting It Control You
So, where does this leave us? Fear is a double-edged sword. It can save your life or ruin it. It can keep you small or make you feel invincible. It all depends on how you approach it.
When fear is holding you back in life, it’s worth examining. Why are you afraid? Is the threat real, or is your brain just overreacting? Fear doesn’t have to be your boss.
But when it comes to horror movies, books, or anything else that gives you a safe scare? Lean into it. Embrace the thrill, the adrenaline, the sweaty palms. Fear, when used for entertainment, isn’t just fun—it’s a reminder that we’re alive. And really, isn’t that what makes life so damn exciting?
So next time you feel your heart race in the middle of a scary story, don’t fight it. That rush of fear is your body’s way of reminding you that you’re here, that you’re human, and that you’re brave enough to face the monsters—whether they’re real or just in your head.