Why do people like horror films?

Uses and Gratifications

The 'uses and gratifications' theory can be used on any media text to determine and understand why or how people consume specific media. It states that all media is created with the aim of fulfilling specific needs, and the audience actively seek out the different texts.This theory can be applied to those who enjoy horror to show why people like horror. These reasons include;

• Surveillance:  an audience gets pleasure from knowing what is going on around them, so they feel more secure watching something that they are aware is not real. In relation to horror; the audience would feel safe watching characters in danger from a serial killer as they are not the ones being pursued. Additionally, if a similar situtation preseneted itself in their life, they would feel that they could handle the situtation.
• Personal Relationships: film can be consumed as part of a social activity, than can create ameliorating bonds between people. This is due to the fact that it allows the audience to discuss the film and share the experiences with each other. In relation to horror; the emotional stress and attachment to characters mean that viewers share the traumatic experience.
• Personal Identity: an audience is able to relate to a character or even develop their identity through them. This fills a need where by they adopt the characteristics that they think will better them. For example, in horror; if a character shows bravery by dealing with a disturbing situation, then the view may seek to mimic this behaviour. Similarly, they may relate to the character if they share similar traits, such as timidity.
• Escapism: this need allows the audience to escape their reality and be transported into a world of hyper - realism. So, they may imagine themselves in place of the character, so in horror; they may either imagine being the victim or killer.