Why do we like to be scared? | Dr. Margee Kerr | TEDxFoggyBottom?

We enjoy being scared because it feels exciting and powerful, just like playing a game where you get to be brave.

Scary things are like big, loud surprises, they make our hearts go boing-boing and our bodies feel all tingly. It's like when you jump out from behind the couch and shout “Boo!” and your friend laughs and screams at the same time. That’s fun!

When we're scared, it's like riding a roller coaster, you’re nervous, but you’re also thrilled. You know something exciting is about to happen. Your brain thinks, “This might be scary, but I can handle it!” and that makes you feel strong.

Sometimes being scared means you're doing something brave. Imagine you're standing in front of a dark room, and you take a deep breath and walk in, even though you know there might be monsters! You’re not running away; you're facing what’s scary. That makes you feel like a superhero.

So when we get scared, it's like our brain is saying, “This is fun, and I’m doing great at it!”