S5 Ep200: Episode 200: Shocking Horror Stories
Shocking things scare us because they jolt us out of our sense of normalcy and control. Our brains are wired to predict and anticipate what happens next, and when something completely unexpected occurs — whether it's a loud noise, a sudden revelation, or a horrifying twist — it disrupts that process, triggering an intense fight-or-flight response. This physiological reaction, combined with the emotional impact of the unknown or the incomprehensible, leaves us vulnerable and unsettled. In many ways, fear of the shocking reflects our deeper fear of losing control over the world around us.