Futures

Understanding the Rise of Horror: Comfort, Resolution, and Community in Uncertain Times, (from page 20221031.)

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Summary

The horror genre has surged in popularity post-pandemic, capturing a 13% market share of the box office in 2021, surpassing comedies, dramas, and thrillers for the first time since 1995. This growth is attributed to viewers seeking comfort through horror, as it allows them to confront fears safely, explore dark curiosities, and find resolution in uncertain times. The genre’s appeal extends to various formats, facilitating community participation and creativity on platforms like Reddit. The supernatural offers explanations for the inexplicable, providing a sense of control amidst chaos. Despite its unsettling themes, horror ultimately serves as a therapeutic outlet, fostering adaptability and shared understanding in a world marked by ambiguity and anxiety.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Rise of Horror Genre Horror genre’s market share in box office increased significantly post-pandemic. Horror has shifted from a niche genre to mainstream popularity. Horror could remain a dominant genre, influencing storytelling across media. The need for psychological safety and control during uncertain times. 5
Increased Online Participation Subreddits related to horror and paranormal content have seen significant growth. Online communities have shifted towards horror and supernatural themes. These communities may evolve into larger platforms for horror content creation. Desire for community and shared experiences in uncertain times. 4
Horror as Therapy Horror content is perceived as therapeutic, helping viewers cope with fears. Entertainment has transitioned from pure escapism to a tool for emotional processing. Horror may be increasingly integrated into mental health discussions and therapies. The need to confront and master fears in a controlled environment. 5
Acceptance of the Paranormal Growing acceptance of supernatural explanations for real-world uncertainties. Society is shifting towards finding comfort in the unexplainable. Belief in paranormal phenomena may become more mainstream and normalized. Desire to reclaim control in an increasingly chaotic world. 4
Democratization of Horror Creation Low barriers for creating horror content lead to widespread participation. Content creation has shifted from professional to amateur, empowering fans. A new wave of diverse horror narratives could emerge from grassroots creators. Accessibility of platforms and tools for storytelling. 4
Paradoxical Comfort in Fear Fear-inducing content provides a sense of control and comfort in uncertainty. Viewing horror has become a way to explore fears safely. Horror may be incorporated more into wellness and coping strategies. The psychological need for safe exploration of fear and anxiety. 5

Concerns

name description relevancy
Cultural Comfort in Horror The rise of horror as a dominant genre reflects societal needs for comfort and understanding in unsettling times. 4
Normalization of Unresolved Fear Horror’s premise of unresolved issues can normalize anxiety and uncertainty in real life, potentially leading to desensitization. 3
Shifted Perceptions of Reality The growing acceptance of supernatural explanations for real-world phenomena may indicate a shift in how people understand reality and crisis. 5
Community Building Through Horror The proliferation of online horror communities fosters a shared culture of fear that can catalyze collective anxiety or comfort. 3
Escapism through Supernatural Beliefs Reliance on paranormal beliefs to cope with daily uncertainties may reveal deeper psychological needs for control and reassurance. 4
Crisis of Meaning In a chaotic world, the need for narratives that provide closure may highlight a broader existential crisis within society. 5

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Cultural Shift Towards Horror Post-pandemic, audiences show a significant preference for horror over traditional feel-good genres, indicating a shift in cultural consumption patterns. 5
Paradoxical Comfort in Fear Viewers find psychological safety in horror, allowing them to confront fears from a distance while experiencing emotional thrills. 5
Seeking Closure Through Resolution Horror narratives often provide closure, offering reassurance amidst real-life uncertainties and radical change. 4
Democratization of Horror Content Creation The low barriers to creating horror content enable widespread participation and community engagement in horror storytelling. 4
Curiosity About the Paranormal The rise in interest towards paranormal themes reflects a societal need to find explanations for the unexplainable in a chaotic reality. 5
Reflection of Societal Fears Horror content serves as a mirror to societal anxieties, helping audiences process and understand their cultural moment. 4
Exploration of Ambiguity An increasing acceptance of ambiguity and the unexplainable in narratives indicates a shift in how people cope with uncertainty. 4
Community Building Through Shared Fear Online platforms facilitate community interactions around horror, fostering connections through shared interests in fear and the supernatural. 4

Technologies

description relevancy src
The growing popularity of horror content across various media, including streaming and social platforms, as a response to societal anxieties post-pandemic. 4 3f0da0ee52810217ee5da6b1aee4489a
Emergence of online platforms and subreddits dedicated to horror, allowing users to share and create content easily, fostering community participation. 4 3f0da0ee52810217ee5da6b1aee4489a
Increased interest in paranormal explanations and conspiracy theories as a means to cope with uncertainty and confusion in society. 3 3f0da0ee52810217ee5da6b1aee4489a
The rise of horror games and content that engage users actively, providing a sense of control over their fears and anxieties. 4 3f0da0ee52810217ee5da6b1aee4489a
A trend towards horror films and media that serve as allegories for deeper psychological trauma and societal issues, appealing to broader audiences. 4 3f0da0ee52810217ee5da6b1aee4489a

Issues

name description relevancy
Rise of Horror Genre The horror genre has seen a significant market increase post-pandemic, surpassing other genres in popularity. 5
Cultural Reflection through Horror Horror content serves as a mirror to societal anxieties and realities, helping audiences process the zeitgeist. 4
Paradoxical Comfort from Fear Watching horror provides a sense of control and emotional release in uncertain times, acting as a therapeutic mechanism. 4
Community and Participation in Horror Online platforms allow for easy sharing and creation of horror content, fostering community engagement and participation. 4
Supernatural as Coping Mechanism The rising belief in paranormal explanations reflects a desire for control and understanding in chaotic environments. 5
Normalization of Ambiguity and Uncertainty The acceptance of unresolved narratives in horror reflects a broader societal acceptance of ambiguity in real life. 3
Growing Interest in Conspiracy Theories Increased views on conspiracy-related subreddits indicate a societal trend towards seeking explanations in the bizarre or unexplainable. 4
Youth Engagement with Horror Content The popularity of horror content among younger audiences suggests a shift in cultural consumption patterns towards darker themes. 4