Why do we love to be scared?

The Round Table podcast episode explores the psychology behind why people enjoy horror, discussing a recent report suggesting that controlled fear can soothe real-world anxieties. The hosts, Steve, Xingyu, and Yushun, share their personal experiences with scary movies and delve into the physiological responses to fear, such as adrenaline and endorphin release. They discuss different categories of horror fans, including adrenaline junkies, white-knucklers, and dark coppers, and how horror films can serve as a safe space to explore morbid curiosity and practice emotional regulation. The episode concludes with a "Happy Place" segment where the hosts share positive experiences from their week, including visits to historical sites in Beijing.