Humans are driven by reward-based instincts that rely on biochemical reactions in the body and brain to encourage the expansion of life and learning / experiences. In seeking food, water, sex, shelter, community, companionship, etc., we are driven by dopamine and endorphins, sometimes adrenaline, into self-preservation. We are seeking euphoria and the more we obtain such a feeling the more anxiety and stress diminish. Sometimes we seek self-satisfaction by ‘pushing the envelope’ to the point of danger but it’s all part of the experience. Humans are driven by instinct to learn and grow, and this is what psychologists call the ‘dark side’, although this darkness is not evil or grotesque. Instead, this shadow side helps us to grow like a daemon by encouraging us to be curious about the world. Horror movies allow us to vicariously explore this nature without consequence in a risk-free, self-controlled, environment. They also allow us to ‘rehearse’ our responses to similar situations. Being scared can also be therapeutic in these and other ways, as can pornography or food, but too much pleasure-seeking can be dangerous. Although human psychology is interesting it is also vulnerable to exploitation. Studies show that the more arousal we feel watching a scary movie the more enjoyment and euphoria we feel in the end; now consider the bombardment we face with every type of news feeding us the worst stories.

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