Don't be scared: Being afraid is outright fun, and maybe useful
As the Halloween season approaches, Americans are spending billions on haunted attractions and horror-themed entertainment. Experts explore the psychological appeal of being scared and the massive industry built around seasonal frights.
Why it matters
The article highlights the significant economic impact of the 'spooky season' and the cultural phenomenon of voluntary fear-seeking behavior.
It's October and that can only mean one thing – the spooky season is in full swing.
Americans are expected to spend more than $13 billion dollars on celebrating this season, whether that's on horror films, costumes, candy or attractions, according to the National Retail Federation.
As much as $300 - $500 million of that spending comes from attending a haunt, where people willingly give up their hard-earned cash to be frightened. And tens of millions of people take part in this kind of activity every year.
But why do people like getting scared? The search for that answer starts with one of the largest haunted attractions in the country, Markoff's Haunted Forest in Dickerson, Maryland. Markoff's has more than a mile of haunted trails and dozens of themed haunted houses. It employs hundreds of engineers, retail attendants, makeup artists and actors.
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