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Arts & Culture

The Jump Scare as a Physiological Response Trigger

Quick fact

Jump scares trigger the startle reflex, a lightning-fast involuntary response that bypasses conscious thought and primes the body for action in as little as 10 to 50 milliseconds, faster than the brain can even recognize the threat.

Why this is interesting

You're watching a horror film, the screen goes quiet, and then—BANG!—a face flashes and you jump out of your seat. Why does that sudden shock affect you so physically?