The thrill. People like to be scared in a safe environment. Horror series provide that adrenaline rush. It's like a rollercoaster ride of emotions.
The power of storytelling. Good horror podcasts have great narrators who can bring the stories to life. They use their voices to create atmosphere. In 'Alice Isn't Dead', the narrator's voice and the way she describes the strange things she encounters makes the whole story very engaging. And the variety of stories, from true crime to supernatural, means there's something for everyone who has an interest in horror.
The mystery. Creepypastas often leave a lot to the imagination. For example, in 'The Rake', the creature's motives and origins are not fully explained, which makes it scarier as our minds fill in the blanks.
One reason is that they often take familiar settings or things, like video games in the case of 'Ben Drowned', and turn them into something terrifying. It makes people look at ordinary things in a whole new and scary way. Also, the Internet has made it easy to spread these stories. People love to share things that give them a good scare, and creepypastas are perfect for that. They can be shared on forums, social media, etc. quickly and easily.
The suspense. In popular short horror stories, the authors build up the suspense really well. For example, in 'The Tell - Tale Heart', the narrator's increasing paranoia keeps you on the edge of your seat. Also, the element of the unknown. We don't know what's going to happen next, like in 'The Monkey's Paw' when the family starts making wishes. The fear of the unexpected is a big draw.
The popularity comes from the fact that they are easy to relate to. Many of the stories involve normal people in everyday situations like going to a party or walking home at night on Halloween. Then when the horror elements are introduced, it makes it all the more scary because it could happen to anyone. And the use of vivid descriptions in the stories really helps to create a spooky atmosphere in the reader's mind.
The mystery. It keeps readers guessing from start to finish. Who is the killer? How will they be caught? These questions drive the story forward.
They're popular because they are short and easy to read. People can quickly get their horror fix without having to commit to a long novel. For example, if you only have a few minutes during a break, you can read one and get spooked.
They're popular because they give a thrill without the real danger. People like to feel scared in a safe environment.
Japanese horror anime are not afraid to be extreme. They can push boundaries in terms of gore, disturbing imagery, and dark themes. This appeals to a certain audience who are looking for something that really challenges their comfort zone. Take 'Elfen Lied' for example, it has extremely violent and disturbing scenes that are not for the faint - hearted, but it has a cult following because of its unapologetic approach to horror.
They're popular because they often play on our existing fears and pop - culture references. For example, stories like 'Slenderman' use the idea of a faceless, menacing figure, which is a common fear. They also spread easily on the internet, allowing people to quickly share and discover new ones.