Capital "H" Horror: Perpetuations of Fear and Risk in Horror Movies
Faculty Sponsor(s)
Dr. Robert Gardner
Subject Area
Sociology
Description
Sociological inquiry has long examined the relationship between digital media and viewers. The presentation of symbols, roles, and relationships on screen affects the understanding and construction of these same symbols, roles, and relationships for consumers. These impacts have been found whether the source media was fictionalized or non-fiction, and additionally existed regardless of whether media was identified as fictional or non-fictional. “Fear-based media”, or media that is made specifically to evoke fear, has been found to be one of the most influential forms for altering consumer conceptions of risk and fear. This research aims to further dissect the relationship between media and viewers’ social constructions of reality by examining fear-based fictional entertainment media, horror movies, and their impact on the constructions and perpetuation of fear and risk in those that watch them. Through two rounds of confidential interviews, this thesis argues that not only do horror movies have lasting impacts on watchers’ behavior and constructions of social realities, but that the very industry of horror films has lasting effects on the social construction of what is scary, who deserves to be afraid, and what we should consider entertainment.
Recommended Citation
Greer, Lavinia, "Capital "H" Horror: Perpetuations of Fear and Risk in Horror Movies" (2024). Linfield University Student Symposium: A Celebration of Scholarship and Creative Achievement. Event. Submission 21.
https://digitalcommons.linfield.edu/symposium/2024/all/21
Capital "H" Horror: Perpetuations of Fear and Risk in Horror Movies
Sociological inquiry has long examined the relationship between digital media and viewers. The presentation of symbols, roles, and relationships on screen affects the understanding and construction of these same symbols, roles, and relationships for consumers. These impacts have been found whether the source media was fictionalized or non-fiction, and additionally existed regardless of whether media was identified as fictional or non-fictional. “Fear-based media”, or media that is made specifically to evoke fear, has been found to be one of the most influential forms for altering consumer conceptions of risk and fear. This research aims to further dissect the relationship between media and viewers’ social constructions of reality by examining fear-based fictional entertainment media, horror movies, and their impact on the constructions and perpetuation of fear and risk in those that watch them. Through two rounds of confidential interviews, this thesis argues that not only do horror movies have lasting impacts on watchers’ behavior and constructions of social realities, but that the very industry of horror films has lasting effects on the social construction of what is scary, who deserves to be afraid, and what we should consider entertainment.
