Why Is It Funny To Frighten Someone?

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Recently, I've seen a few posts that show someone being either startled, or frightened badly. Some people think this is the height of humor.

To be honest, I don't get it. Frightening someone is mean, at least in my view. But that's just one view. there must be something that these videos trigger, that makes some people like to watch them and laugh.

This is a serious post. I know that there are TV shows where people are frightened...and some people laugh hard at the result.

I've seen videos here that show very frightened children, seeing a horrible face on a TV screen. There is a TV that looks like a window, and people are fooled into thinking they are going to die in a bomb blast. There is a video where some guy in a school tries to convince a group of teachers that he (and his little group) are terrorists.

Could someone explain to me why they think these videos are funny?
  • Profile picture of the author garyv
    For me it's mainly the reactions. I don't really ever like seeing the ones where the kids are brought to tears. But if it's an adult, I love seeing the different reactions that are given. Can you honestly say that you don't find this funny?...

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  • Profile picture of the author socialentry
    lol reaction of ghetto people is funny in the extreme.

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  • Profile picture of the author garyv
    But to further Claude's point - I don't get the humor in making someone afraid that they might die, or that you might physically harm them. I just read an article a few days ago - I don't remember where - but a young man killed a friend because she jumped out of the closet with a burglar mask on. I've never appreciated those type of pranks - too dangerous.
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  • Profile picture of the author Khemosabi
    I'm with you here Claude. I like videos that surprise someone with a happy outcome, but to scare... I'm out. In today's "world", I don't think we need anymore scares! :p

    I think why people laugh is because it's not happening to them! I'll admit that I have cracked up a couple of times in my life when someone has tripped, but NEVER thought it was funny when I did it!!

    While I am a huge practical joker, I do not scare people. HHEEEEHHEEEE... My neighbor's husband had some pigeons in his old barn. He goes out to shoot them and sure enough puts a few holes in his roof! He and his son spent the day fixing the holes. His wife and I had a few chuckles over this!
    When he was away for a few days, I climbed up there and hung a "NO HUNTING" sign up there!

    I'm curious to see what others think about your post. I know that most don't have ill intent.

    ~ Theresa
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    • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
      Seeing reactions to a floating cup, or a driverless car are different to me than someone thinking they are going to die.

      I am a very amateur magician. I was in a McDonald's once and saw a customer with his three kids. I wanted to have a little fun, so I showed them my coffee cup, and then I let it float in the air. No wires, nothing up my sleeve...

      They weren't impressed. But the lady in the next booth almost had a fit. She thought I really levitated the cup. I had to calm her down, and show her how I did it. I promise you, to this day, she thinks she saw a miracle...and I'm not going to convince her otherwise.

      But I would never do an effect if I thought it would scare someone.

      If someone is in a theater to be scared, or watching something on TV to be scared...that's different. Anyway, that's my take.
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  • Profile picture of the author whland
    Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

    Recently, I've seen a few posts that show someone being either startled, or frightened badly. Some people think this is the height of humor.

    To be honest, I don't get it. Frightening someone is mean, at least in my view. But that's just one view. there must be something that these videos trigger, that makes some people like to watch them and laugh.

    This is a serious post. I know that there are TV shows where people are frightened...and some people laugh hard at the result.

    I've seen videos here that show very frightened children, seeing a horrible face on a TV screen. There is a TV that looks like a window, and people are fooled into thinking they are going to die in a bomb blast. There is a video where some guy in a school tries to convince a group of teachers that he (and his little group) are terrorists.

    Could someone explain to me why they think these videos are funny?
    I'm with you on that. It actually makes me cry to see someone being scared like that. Not funny in my opinion either.

    Chad
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  • Profile picture of the author Brian John
    def get what ur saying claude. a little scare is ok but don't really find the humor in seeing someone frightened to the point they think they're gonna die. not sure why but for whatever reason most of the vids like that i've seen were of japanese/asian origin.

    upon reading this thread i keep thinking of the balloon lady...
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    • Profile picture of the author socialentry
      Originally Posted by Brian John View Post

      def get what ur saying claude. a little scare is ok but don't really find the humor in seeing someone frightened to the point they think they're gonna die. not sure why but for whatever reason most of the vids like that i've seen were of japanese/asian origin.

      upon reading this thread i keep thinking of the balloon lady...
      Im afraid of balloons! - YouTube
      Because asian culture is the best .
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  • Profile picture of the author dave147
    Now look what you started Claude...

    How about this one then....

    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=1415683088645205
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  • Profile picture of the author thunderbird
    Another Friday 13th thread I see.
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    Project HERE.

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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Ten
    I personally do not think that frightening others is particularly funny. Oh well.
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