Jump Scares & Reactivity

[greg]

I mean completely unexpected, including IRL jump scares. But mostly from entertainment media.

Trying to get a quick idea of what's "normal..." this is a subject that there doesn't appear to be much info on, though there are a few scientific studies...

[SimonNZ]

I react with resentment at the manipulation.

[Daverz]

I hate jump scares.  I'll fast forward thru them when it's obvious one is coming.

One reason that the only horror I tend to like is Gothic horror.

[greg]

I react with resentment at the manipulation.

Agreed for horror films that rely on it too much because that's all they have to offer. Since really... it's surprise. Not horror lol.

[71 dB]

Agreed for horror films that rely on it too much because that's all they have to offer. Since really... it's surprise. Not horror lol.

I prefer J-horror for this reason: It tends to build up very creepy/upsetting atmosphere instead of a jump scare every 10 minutes. Not all jump scares in the movies are the same. The lazy way to do them is to have a scare face appear close to camera accompanied by a loud aggressive sound effect. Mulholland Drive is an example of a skilled jump scare. James Wan's Conjuring has a very effective jump scare: I jumped almost of my chair when I watched the movie. 

I have to say seeing the first primary election results since Super Tuesday have been IRL jump scares for me... 

Horror movies are so NICE. All I have to do is press "stop" and the horror goes away. When Americans elect Trump, the horror lasts for 4 or 8 years and there is nothing I can do about it... 

[greg]

I wonder which scene from The Conjuring got you? It was an enjoyable movie, though there was some other similar movie I watched at the time and will probably forever get those two jumbled up.

So PTSD is supposed to be a cause of exaggerated startle response- kinda one thing that defines the disorder.

But what would cause a much less than average response? I have some observations but no solid theory... best guess so far is having a "dead inside" mood at the time of being jump scared.

[71 dB]

I wonder which scene from The Conjuring got you? It was an enjoyable movie, though there was some other similar movie I watched at the time and will probably forever get those two jumbled up.

It was almost the end of the movie in the cellar when the ghost drops down.