Presented by Mathias CLasen

Horror movies are more popular than ever, even as the world grows scarier and more unpredictable. Why do we turn to dark fiction when reality bites? What draws us to tales of demons, ghosts, and killers? Are such stories morally corrosive, psychologically harmful, or just trashy entertainment?

In this class, Mathias Clasen, co-director of Aarhus University’s Recreational Fear Lab and author of A Very Nervous Person's Guide to Horror Movies (2021), takes us deep into the psychology of fear. We'll explore how the mental mechanisms evolved to protect us from real threats are triggered—and trained—by fictional ones. Research suggests that horror can help build psychological resilience, manage stress, and even combat anxiety. Stephen King may have been right: "We make up horrors to help us cope with the real ones."

Beyond personal benefits, horror bonds us socially and may fine-tune our moral compass, pushing us toward prosocial behavior. Even children can benefit from age-appropriate scary stories. Exciting new findings from the Recreational Fear Lab suggest that "recreational fear," including horror, might even boost the immune system.

While we’re just beginning to uncover its full effects, horror appears to be far from harmful. Instead, it offers surprising mental, social, and physical benefits—proving that fear can be more than just frightening.

All purchases grant access to the Live Stream, if you are unable to attend the Live Stream, within 24 hours, we will make the video available for 72 hours to watch at your leisure, you will need to contact us for the link.

All talks start at the following local times:
London @ 19:00:00
Berlin @ 20:00:00
New York @ 14:00 pm
Los Angeles @ 11:00 am