What uses and gratifications do people obtain from the horror genre?


Horror films are very big money makers, They are normally made on a 

low budget but however make a large profit. Unfortunately horror  films are not highly regarded by critics but are highly praised by by many general people looking for a thrilling experience. The general audience goes with the expectation to be scared and is greatly entertained when they are, while critics arrive with preexisting expectations of their own. When we are afraid the Amygdala , a set of neurons in the brain, triggers the "flight or fight" response, causing palms to sweat , pupils to dilate and ensures the body is pumped with dopamine and adrenaline. So some people may say the thrills of horror gives them a sort of rush. Marvin Zuckerman proposed in 1979 that people who scored high in the sensation seeker scale often reported a greater interest in exciting things like roller coasters, bungee jumps and horror films. Studies have shown many people like to watch horror films with other people so it becomes a social experience, women like to act scared in-front of males and males like to act like a protector and show their masculinity. 

People get an escape from horror films, and in most cases you get to watch people who are worse off than yourself. When watching a horror films you get to experience the threats the characters face without actually having to face them.