The Thrill of Haunted Houses

Written by Jase Harris

Modeled by Jase Harris, Lauren Jones, Kait Patton, Liz Eike

Photography by Jase Harris & Lauren Jones

As Halloween creeps closer, haunted houses come alive filled with things like bloody zombies, scary laughter, and corn mazes. Though, strangely enough, people flock to these attractions, paying good money for the thrill of being terrified. But what makes this feeling of fear so enjoyable? 

At its core, fear is a survival instinct. It is meant to alert us to threats and help us respond quickly to dangerous situations. But in a haunted house, the threats aren’t real. The chainsaw-wielding maniac and clowns are just actors, the blood is made of corn syrup, and the ghost can just be clever lighting. Your brain knows you’re safe, but your body still reacts. Your heart races. Your adrenaline spikes. You’re in fight-or-flight mode, but you're in a controlled environment. 

That’s the magic to the scare; haunted houses offer the rush of fear without any real danger. It’s like a roller coaster for your brain. You feel alive, on edge, hyper-aware, and then you laugh because deep down, you know it’s all fake. 

According to psychologists, haunted attractions tap into what’s called “recreational fear.” It’s the same reason people watch horror movies or play scary video games. It’s a form of play for people, an emotional roller coaster that’s safe, social, and can be enjoyable. 

There’s also a strong social element. Going through a haunted house with friends or family turns fear into a shared experience. You grab each other’s arms, scream together, laugh at each other’s reactions, and come out the other side with a great memory to look back on. Fear is a powerful emotion and sharing it builds connection. It’s the same reason people enjoy ghost stories around campfires or scary movies on date night.  

Haunted houses offer more than just cheap scares. They give us a chance to confront fear in a fun, controlled way alone or with friends. It’s about adrenaline, bonding, and stepping outside our comfort zone. In a world where you can feel stuck in a routine, a little fear can be the spark that reminds us we’re alive. So, if you're wondering whether to try that haunted maze this fall, go ahead. Scream, laugh, and enjoy the ride.