Source 6 Flashcards
(15 cards)
What is “counterhedonic consumption,” and how is it related to horror entertainment?
“Counterhedonic consumption” refers to seeking out experiences or products designed to evoke negative emotions. Horror entertainment is a prime example of this, as it aims to evoke fear and anxiety, but also excitement and joy.
According to researchers Haiyang Yang and Kuangjie Zhang, what is one of the main factors driving the consumption of horror?
Stimulation is a driving factor, as horror can evoke both negative feelings (fear, anxiety) and positive feelings (excitement, joy). The more intense the negative emotions, the more likely people are to enjoy the resulting positive emotions.
Why does horror entertainment provide a “novel experience”?
Horror provides a novel experience by depicting situations (such as a zombie apocalypse) that don’t happen in the real world. It also offers a way to explore the darker side of humanity in a safe manner.
What are the three components of the “protective frame” that allow some people to enjoy horror?
The three components are:
Safety Frame – Knowing the threat is distant and not real.
Sense of Detachment – Recognizing that the horror is fictional.
Sense of Control – Feeling confident in overcoming the perceived danger.
How does the “protective frame” affect one’s enjoyment of horror?
Having all three components (safety, detachment, and control) enhances enjoyment of horror. Lacking one or more of these elements tends to reduce enjoyment.
How does a person’s sensation-seeking trait affect their enjoyment of horror?
People with a higher sensation-seeking trait and those more open to new experiences tend to seek out and enjoy horror-related content more.
What role does empathy play in how people respond to horror?
People with more empathy tend to react more negatively to the suffering in horror films, making them less likely to enjoy the genre.
What did Yang and Zhang’s research reveal about the relationship between wealth and the enjoyment of horror?
Their research found that people in wealthier countries (with higher GDP per capita) tend to watch more horror films. This is because wealthier individuals have more resources and control over their circumstances, which enhances their ability to enjoy the genre.
How does a lack of sense of control impact the enjoyment of horror in less wealthy countries?
In less wealthy countries, people may have fewer resources that help them feel in control of their circumstances, reducing the sense of control necessary to enjoy horror.
What should people consider when choosing whether to watch horror entertainment, according to Haiyang Yang?
People should consider their sense of safety, detachment, and control. If they lack confidence in these aspects, they might be better off watching something less intense, like a comedy.
“The demand for what scientists call ‘counterhedonic consumption’—seeking out experiences or products designed to evoke negative emotions—has surged in recent decades to become one of the most prevalent and profitable forms of entertainment.”
This quote can be used to introduce the idea that horror and similar forms of entertainment fall into a category known as counterhedonic consumption. It sets the stage for discussing why people would willingly seek out experiences designed to evoke negative emotions like fear, offering a contrast to typical entertainment that seeks to generate positive emotions. You can use this quote to argue that people’s engagement with fear is not merely about the emotions themselves, but about something deeper, like stimulation or catharsis.
“Exposure to terrifying acts like stories of demonic possession or alien infestation can be stimulating both mentally and physically. These experiences can give rise to both negative feelings, such as fear or anxiety, and positive feelings, such as excitement or joy.”
This quote can be used to explore the duality of horror entertainment, where negative emotions such as fear are followed by positive emotional responses. This aligns with the idea of “excitement transfer” and the physiological enjoyment people get from experiencing fear in a controlled environment. It would work well when discussing the biological or psychological response to horror and why people seek these experiences even though they evoke unpleasant emotions initially.
“In order to savor the spooky, we don’t have to have all three of these frames. But having fewer than all three tends to turn us off to the idea.”
This quote can be used to explain the psychological “protective frame” necessary to enjoy horror. By highlighting the three categories (safety, detachment, and control), you can discuss the importance of these psychological mechanisms in allowing viewers to enjoy fear. This will help emphasize that while horror may be thrilling for some, others may not enjoy it due to the lack of these frames, thereby making the experience too uncomfortable.
“Some research indicates that people with a higher sensation-seeking trait and those who are more open to new experiences tend to seek out and enjoy horror-related experiences more.”
This quote can be used to highlight individual differences in how people approach fear. You could discuss the personality trait of sensation-seeking and its link to the enjoyment of horror, arguing that certain personality traits make individuals more likely to enjoy fear-inducing entertainment. This will contribute to your argument that personal differences, such as a desire for excitement, play a significant role in the popularity of horror.
“Our sense of control can serve as a form of psychological protective frame, a prerequisite to experiencing pleasure from horror consumption.”
This quote reinforces the idea that a sense of control is vital for people to enjoy horror. In your essay, you could use this quote to further explore the concept of safety and control within horror entertainment. It can help argue that the perception of control over the frightening situation is what makes the experience pleasurable, as viewers are aware they are not in real danger and can escape at any time.
