Why Do Some People Get “Creeped Out” More Easily
You may have that friend that seems never to get unnerved or freaked out; meanwhile you’re afraid to go into the basement after watching a scary movie. A new study dove into why individuals react differently to unsettling situations.
Recent theories suggest that creepiness is linked to uncertainty and the fear of potential threats. A study found that individuals who are less tolerant of ambiguity and frequently experience feelings of unease are more likely to be creeped out by unsettling images. The research also revealed that females tend to be more easily creeped out than males.
Understanding the psychology of creepiness can have practical applications in designing technologies and built environments to create more comfortable and reassuring experiences for users.