Why Do People Feel Afraid of the Dark During a Scary Movie?

Understanding Fear of the Dark: An Evolutionary Perspective

When we watch a scary movie, one common reaction is fear of the dark. This phenomenon can be traced back to our evolutionary past and has deep roots in human history. The dark is often associated with fear because our ancestors lived in a world where shadows and darkness could conceal dangerous predators. This instinctive fear is a prime example of how our brain has evolved to protect us from potential threats.

prehistoric Origins

The fear of the dark has its origins in our prehistoric ancestors who lived in caves or under cover of night. In their environment, darkness was an unknown factor that could hide threats. The fear of the dark, or more precisely, the fear of the unknown, is a primal response that stems from our survival instincts. When the light disappeared, the night brought with it a sense of vulnerability and danger, often associated with the presence of predators such as wolves, big cats, and other carnivores.

Darkness and Shadows in Movies

This fear of the dark is particularly heightened during a scary movie, where the darkness is deliberately used to create suspense and fear. The flickering of shadows and the use of darkness in cinematography can trigger an innate fear response in the audience. For example, in the horror movie Netflix's The Haunting of Hill House, the dimly lit hallways and the creeping shadows evoke the same fear that our ancestors felt during the night.

The Uncanny Valley: A Separate Fear

While the fear of the dark is related to the unknown and protection, the Uncanny Valley, which refers to the perceived ugliness and eeriness of human-like robots or animations that are nearly, but not quite, lifelike, is a different kind of fear. This theory was first introduced by Masahiro Mori in 1970 and suggests that as a robot or computer animation becomes more human-like, our perception of the robot will become positive, but once it surpasses the threshold, it will become increasingly negative.

Examples of Uncanny Valley in Movies

The film Ghost in the Shell features a significant example of the Uncanny Valley where the cyborg and human characters create a sense of unease and fear in the audience. The close-up shots of the main character's highly detailed prosthetic eye and strange expressions can provoke a response similar to the one seen in some horror movies with their use of shadow and darkness.

The Intersection of Fear and Mindset

Both the fear of the dark and the uncanny valley involve a tension between known and unknown elements that our minds perceive as threats. However, the fear of the dark is more directly linked to survival, while the uncanny valley deals with the disquieting nature of things that seem familiar yet unsettling.

Overcoming the Fear: Strategies for Enjoyment

Despite these fears, people still seek out horror and thriller movies. How can we enjoy these films without being overwhelmed by fear? There are a few strategies that can help mitigate these feelings:

Pick Your Battles: Not all movies are created equally. Choose films that you are prepared to handle. If you know a movie is particularly dark or graphic, plan to watch it at a time when you feel more secure. Take Breaks: If a scene becomes too intense, take a break. Many streaming services allow you to pause or take a quick break from the screen, giving you time to calm down. Watch with Friends or Colleagues: Sharing the experience with others can make the situation less daunting. The presence of others might even provide a sense of security. Arm Yourself with Information: Knowing about the plot and characters beforehand can help you make sense of what you see and hear, reducing the feeling of being unprepared.

Conclusion

The fear of the dark during a scary movie is a fascinating intersection of our evolutionary past and modern psychological responses. While this fear is deeply rooted in our heritage, it can be managed with strategies and a clear understanding of its origins. By acknowledging the role of darkness and the Uncanny Valley in horror movies, we can better enjoy and appreciate the genre without succumbing to overwhelming fear.