Living on the Edge: The Line Between Scary and Fun

This program redefines fear stimuli and explores the fine line between fright and excitement. The rapid evolutionary modification of supposedly hard-wired responses to heights, enclosed spaces, and darkness by the demands of modern living is described, along with the new terrors that have taken their place. But parallel to the desire for safety is the desire for excitement. The risks people willingly take, such as driving recklessly fast, to assert their right to control their own lives and to attain an adrenaline high are also examined. (25 minutes)