Hearing the word horror, some people may immediately feel scared. But it turns out, Indonesian audiences are actually looking forward to a number of mysterious scenes that have a surprising sensation.
The proof is that the movie Siksa Kubur by Joko Anwar is getting more and more enthusiasts. The horror genre movie with a thick mystical wrap, managed to invite the curiosity of the audience. Also a target, the movie Badarawuhi in the Dancer Village managed to print 2 million viewers on the sixth day of screening.
You must be curious about what attracts Indonesian people love watching horror movies? Beautynesia has summarized a number of psychological facts from various sources, Laura King’s book The Science of Psychology, GSP Global website, and Psychology Today. Here are the facts.
1. Spur Adrenaline and Tension
According to research from Professor Glenn Spark, in the eyes of horror movie fans, watching horror movies brings its own pleasure that triggers their adrenaline. On the other hand, the suspense created by creepy and shocking scenes makes people curious and eager to see what happens next. So on the one hand it’s scary, but on the other hand it’s exciting because it’s challenging. This is also supported by research from psychologist Glenn Walters.
2. Proximity to Audience Reality
According to psychological research on horror movie-watching behavior studied by psychologist Glenn Walters, horror movies are of interest to many people because they are very close to one’s daily life. In Indonesia, supernatural and mystical things are still very much a habit that is discussed in the family or friendship circle.
Horror movies are very close to scenes that cause fear, while at the same time being tense and sad on the other hand. For example, a victim is targeted and chased by the antagonist.
This is emotionally draining for the viewer who may be able to put themselves in the shoes of the character who is struggling to avoid becoming a victim or trying to save their friends.
3. Bias
Horror movies are often packed with strong supernatural elements, but they are difficult to prove scientifically. Social psychology research proves that there is a bias that makes people believe in mystical things.
For example, you go to a fortune teller and the fortune teller tells you that there are mystical things that are currently trying to hinder your current work. It just so happens that you are currently having a lot of work-related problems. So you believe in that.
Another example, you have traveled to a forest or campsite and felt that the place was haunted. It turns out that there are also your friends who believe in the supernatural and tell you that there are indeed many mysterious events there. Moreover, horror movies tell the same story. This is known as confirmation bias in psychology.
4. Trends and Conformity
Hanging out with friends who love watching horror movies will most likely encourage you to join the trend. Even though you might not really like the genre of the movie.
In order to stay together, you might make it a challenge and a moment of togetherness. Even though it’s scary to watch with your best friend, it will still be fun. Quoted from the book Social Psychology by Baron and Branscombe, the desire to have the same interests as the group is known as conformity.
Okay, that was a myriad of psychological reasons why Indonesian audiences love watching horror movies, even though they are filled with a myriad of scary scenes.
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