"For example, clowns are not supposed to be scary. They are funny-singing, dancing, joke-telling jesters. But, if we change the context of the clown and their purpose, then it's reasonable to understand why they're scary. My dislike predates the horror movie IT (1990), which is said to represent a landmark increase in coulrophobia ( fear of clowns) cases. I remember being around three or four"
"For example, visually speaking, dark locations set a good scene because humans aren't great at seeing in the dark. Anything can be out there. It creates uncertainty and uncertainty is frightening. Couple that with sound, like a bass-driven rhythm that slowly increases in tempo, getting faster and faster until it feels like it's right on us. Imagine that in the dark... or better yet, imagine no sound."
Anything can be scary when context alters expected purpose or behavior. Familiar figures like clowns can become frightening through surprise, emotional state, and the novelty of altered appearance. Early life encounters can cement such fears. Situational variables—lighting, sound, and timing—shape perceived threat by creating sensory ambiguity and uncertainty. Darkness reduces visual information, increasing the possibility of unseen hazards. Sound patterns, such as a slow, accelerating bass rhythm or sudden silence followed by a faint knock, amplify suspense and imagination. Uncertainty prompts the mind to fill gaps with possible dangers, transforming benign stimuli into sources of fear.
Read at Psychology Today
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