Tonight's the night: the culmination of the scariest time of year when many of us seek out horror flicks, haunted houses and other spooky things. But why?
The big picture: Fear has played an important role in human evolution, and it comes with some perks, too, according to Daniel Bradford, a professor of psychological science at Oregon State University.
Zoom in: Fear is an adaptive mechanism that humans developed to help us, long ago, avoid things like being eaten by a bear, Bradford told Axios.
Today, that adaptation might look more like anxiety about a test helping you study or staying away from the edge of a cliff.
How it works: Some people seek out scary experiences for the adrenaline rush — which comes with a heightened awareness and focus — and the realization afterward.
"When you realize that it's not anything to be afraid of, that comes with relief, and that relief can be a very positive feeling," Bradford said.
