Why Do We Actively Seek Fear?

Question

We all know fear is very helpful for prolonging our existence, since it's used to help us avoid danger. But why do we active seek out this danger as a form of enjoyment. For example on roller coasters and such. The thought "AAHHHHHHHH AHHHHHHH I'M GONNA DIE!!!" doesn't seem so enjoyable or helpful..

Theron Q. Ramacharaka Panchadasi · Accepted Answer

It's an effective way to get out of the usual mindset for a minute.  So is smoking a huge hit of crack.  They both are huge rushes of hormones, but the big fear one has a greater sense of reality to it.  You're right, it is a lot of stress!  It is a big rush, and it alters consciousness rapidly; it takes over for a minute.  You have no control whatsoever.

morwood_leyland · Answer

You are right rushmore223 - fear causes a rush of adrenalin to enable flight - this is a powerful drug and gives you a form of "high".  Like all such experiences not everyone enjoys this but there are adrenaline junkies and it is not just about fear - see the link

kiddunker · Answer

Some people just get a sort of high from the thrill and the adrenaline rush.

bikerangelmom · Answer

Because without fear, we do not feel truly ALIVE. The adrenaline rush is intoxicating, exhilarating even.

Anonymous · Answer

It's fun and the experience of survival of something you normally wouldn't do... I jumped out of perfectly good plane after having a heart attack and against the advise of doctor,family and freinds.  Best damn thing I ever did.

cosmo_02 · Answer

kinda the same principal as why we enjoy pain...and people do enjoy pain ...proof you have a hangnail that only hurts when you touch it what do you do all day?
ya sit there and play with it going ohhh that f--kin hurts lemme try again...ouch yep that hurt.

rushmore223 · Answer

Some do, some don't. the answer I believe is Adrenaline.

Trending News

Why Do We Actively Seek Fear?

7 Answers