Jumpscares in movies and videos are meant to startle and surprise us. Our brains release chemicals like adrenaline and cortisol in response to unexpected events, as a way to prepare us to react to potential threats. Even though we know there is no actual danger, our brains still react as if there is a threat.
OddBee3 t1_j1y91v7 wrote
Reply to ELI5: Why do we keep falling for movie/video jumpscares, when there's no tangible threat? by [deleted]
Jumpscares in movies and videos are meant to startle and surprise us. Our brains release chemicals like adrenaline and cortisol in response to unexpected events, as a way to prepare us to react to potential threats. Even though we know there is no actual danger, our brains still react as if there is a threat.