The Psychology of Fear: Why We Crave Scary Stories

Why do we keep turning the page when our hearts are racing? Why do we love stories that make us look over our shoulders or leave us breathless with suspense? Fear is supposed to send us running — and yet, scary stories pull us in again and again.

The answer lies in psychology. Fear isn’t just a negative emotion; it’s also thrilling, addictive, and strangely safe when experienced through fiction. Here’s why we crave scary stories — and why they matter more than we think.

1. Fear Gives Us an Adrenaline Rush

When we read a tense scene, our brains release adrenaline just as if we were in danger ourselves. That heightened alertness makes us feel alive and tuned in.

Why it matters: Scary stories give us a rush in a safe environment. We can walk away at any time, but in the moment, we feel the thrill of survival.

2. Fear Helps Us Practice Survival

In YA thrillers and dystopian fiction, characters face life-or-death challenges — illness, betrayal, escape. Watching them problem-solve helps readers rehearse danger in their minds.

Why it matters: Our brains use fiction as a “simulator.” We practice courage, decision-making, and resilience through the characters we follow.

3. Fear Creates Connection

When we share a scary story, we bond. Readers talk about shocking twists, shocking betrayals, or haunting images — and that shared experience connects us.

Why it matters: Fear reminds us we’re not alone. In stories, as in life, connection is what helps us face the dark.

We crave scary stories because they give us adrenaline, prepare us for danger, and connect us through shared emotion. Far from being “just for fun,” they remind us that courage is possible — even when the odds are terrifying.

So the next time a thriller keeps you up at night, don’t feel guilty. You’re practicing survival, building empathy, and feeding your need for connection — one heart-pounding page at a time.

Want to experience this kind of fear for yourself? Start with Shattered, the YA speculative thriller where Marris Sheffield uncovers dark secrets inside her academy, leading her to question everything she’s ever been told.

Read Shattered today → Amazon (US) | EmeryRoad.com