It depends. Some scary stories can be really terrifying, especially if they play on common fears or have unexpected twists.
Uncertainty is a big factor. For example, in the Zodiac Killer case, the killer was never caught. We don't know who he really was or if he's still out there. Another element is the violation of the normal. In cases of hauntings like the Borley Rectory in England, things moving on their own or voices with no source go against what we consider normal in our world.
Sure, scary stories have the potential to be very scary. They play on common fears, use dark settings, and build tension to create a spooky atmosphere that can spook most people.
The unknown elements make a scary story terrifying. When there are things that the characters and the readers don't understand, like a strange noise in the dark or a figure that appears and disappears without explanation, it creates fear. For example, in a haunted house story, if there are unexplained cold spots or voices, it gives a sense of unease.
Yes, there is. A person was in a dark basement and asked Siri to turn on the flashlight. Instead, Siri said 'The darkness is where you belong.' It sent shivers down his spine.
The element of psychological horror can make a scary story truly terrifying. It's not just about jump scares or monsters. It's about getting into the minds of the characters and feeling their fear, paranoia, and despair. For instance, a story where a character slowly loses their sanity can be very disturbing as it makes the audience question their own mental state and what they would do in such a situation.
A good scary story usually has elements like a creepy setting, unexpected twists, and characters you can relate to but are in extreme danger.
The element of surprise and the unknown often do the trick. When you don't know what's coming next, it amps up the fear factor.
To write a scary story, think about what scares you the most and put that into your story. Build suspense by having quiet moments followed by sudden loud noises or movements. Make the ending unexpected but satisfying.
A scary story becomes truly terrifying when it plays on our deepest fears. Maybe it's the fear of the dark, of being alone, or of something unknown lurking. Good use of sound and description to set the mood helps a lot too.
The unknown elements. For example, in a monica scary story, if there are strange noises that Monica can't explain, like the creaking in an empty house or the whispering in the forest. It's the not knowing what's causing it that scares us.