Why Do We Love to Be Scared? The Psychology of Horror Fans (And Why We're the Coolest People You Know)

Let’s be honest—normal people think we’re weird.

If you’re the type of person who reads horror for fun, who finds comfort in stories of haunted houses, masked maniacs, or unknowable eldritch gods… well, chances are you’ve heard the phrase:"How can you read/watch/write that stuff?"

To the uninitiated, horror fans seem like adrenaline junkies with a side of existential dread. But here’s the truth: we’re not weird—we’re wired differently. And I’m here to explain exactly why people like us crave the dark, the disturbing, and the downright terrifying. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about blood and guts.

Let’s talk about why horror fiction grabs us by the throat—and why that’s a good thing.

1. Fear is a Safe Thrill

When you dive into a horror novel, you’re stepping into a nightmare that you control. You're safe. No matter how messed up things get in the story, you can always close the book (if you dare).This is called "controlled fear," and it gives your brain the thrill of survival without the pesky real-life consequences. Think of it like emotional skydiving.

You get the rush, the tension, the spike of adrenaline—but all while you’re curled up on the couch with snacks.

In a world that feels increasingly out of control, horror fiction lets us rehearse our worst fears in a safe space. It’s weirdly therapeutic.

2. We Like to Stare Into the Abyss (Because It Stares Back)

Let’s get a little philosophical for a second. Horror is the only genre that deals directly with death, chaos, and the fear of the unknown—without pretending everything’s going to be okay.

Unlike other genres that slap on happy endings like Band-Aids, horror gives us space to say:“Yeah, life can be terrifying. Now what?”

Whether it’s cosmic horror reminding us how tiny we are, or slasher stories reflecting our anxieties about the real world, horror fiction acknowledges the darkness. And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.

3. Horror Fans Are Surprisingly Empathetic

No joke—studies have shown that horror fans are often more empathetic than non-horror fans.Why? Because horror forces us to feel. When you write or read horror, you’re constantly putting yourself in someone else’s shoes: the final girl, the cursed family, the person who just made the very bad choice to read the Latin in the Necronomicon out loud.

Horror asks us to imagine fear, grief, survival—and sometimes even monstrous transformation.

We’re used to walking alongside characters in their worst moments.That kind of emotional muscle makes horror fans more attuned to human struggle, not less.

4. Monsters Are Just Metaphors (But Really Cool Ones)

One of the best parts of horror fiction is the monsters. Whether it’s vampires, werewolves, zombies, or haunted dolls that really need to calm down—these creatures often represent something bigger.

• Vampires? Fear of desire, aging, or disease.

• Zombies? Consumerism, conformity, or apocalyptic dread.

• Ghosts? Guilt, grief, trauma.

• The Thing That Lives in the Basement? You probably really need to talk to your therapist.

Horror lets us take complex emotions and dress them up in fangs and claws. We turn the intangible into the unforgettable.

5. We Love Talking About It (Like, a LOT)

Ever tried to talk to a horror fan about their favorite movie or book? Buckle up. We’re gonna give you the history, the trivia, the obscure references, and possibly an unsolicited essay on why the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre is actually art.

There’s a reason horror conventions, fan forums, and niche horror podcasts thrive. We’re a passionate bunch—and let’s be honest, we throw the best Halloween parties.

Horror isn’t just something we consume. It’s something we celebrate.

6. Horror Writers Are the Real Weirdos (And That’s a Compliment)

As someone who writes horror, I get to spend hours imagining terrible things happening to imaginary people—and somehow, this counts as "work." It’s a beautiful scam.

But here's the secret: writing horror is really about control. It’s about taking the chaos of the world and shaping it into a narrative.It’s about making sense of senselessness, even if the answer is “there is no sense, just scream and run.”

And if I can give a reader the creeps, or make someone sleep with the lights on? Mission accomplished.

7. We Know That Horror Isn’t Just Scary—It’s Fun

Yes, horror is terrifying. But it’s also ridiculous, over-the-top, and strangely joyful.Where else can you find stories that are equal parts nightmare and campy brilliance?Where else do final girls, creepy twins, and killer snowmen all exist in the same universe?

Horror is a playground where we face our fears and laugh in the face of them.

Because horror fans know something the rest of the world forgets:

There’s nothing wrong with loving the dark. That’s where all the best stories live.

Final Thoughts: Horror Isn’t a Guilty Pleasure—It’s a Power Move

So if anyone ever gives you grief about being a horror fan, just remember:You’re not broken. You’re brave. You’re emotionally evolved.And you have a better book collection than most people.

Whether you’re a reader, a writer, or someone who just appreciates a good ghost story, know this:

You’re part of a weird, wonderful, and slightly spooky community that gets it.

And honestly? That makes you cooler than most.

My terrifying cult horror novel The Given is out now. You should check it out here.

If you want to see all of my work in all formats visit my online bookstore.