Why Do People Enjoy Being Surprised?

People love being surprised because it feels exciting and fun. Imagine you're eating a sandwich, and suddenly your friend jumps out and says, 'Boo!' That surprise makes you laugh and feel happy. Your brain likes when things change unexpectedly, so surprises are like little treats for the mind.

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Examples

You're eating a sandwich when your friend jumps out and says, 'Boo!'
Your favorite song plays just as you walk into your classroom
You open a gift and find something completely different from what you expected

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Categories: Psychology · surprise,psychology of joy,cognitive processes