If you like scary movies, you’re probably among that group of people that enjoy letting loose a good scream at the theater. After all, scary movies are meant to be watched with emotion. But have you ever wondered why some people are laughing and making silly comments at the most climatic moments?

It is certainly possible that those obnoxious people near you at the theater are simply trying to act tough or maybe they really are jerks. However, it may also have to do with their genes. Yes, there may be a scientific explanation. Don’t laugh, there is proof supporting this statement.

 

Scientific Proof

Scientists say different versions of the same gene linked to anxiety can explain the way in which some people are not affected by suspenseful movies, while others enjoy the tension and the gore. These findings may explain why people have different reactions to horror films. While many scream and some even faint during scary movies in cinemas at scenes of spinning heads and shaking beds, others simply laugh.

At the risk of becoming too complicated, the ‘COMT’ gene affects a chemical in the brain that’s linked to anxiety. People with two copies of one version of the gene are easily disturbed when watching unpleasant pictures. That version of the gene weakens the effect of a signalling chemical in the brain that helps control certain emotions.

These scientists discovered that those carrying two copies of the gene were significantly more startled by frightening images than others. Those individuals with two copies of the latter gene were also able to control their anxiety more easily. Researchers in Germany made the discovery after testing 96 women.

So now that we know there is scientific evidence for some of those bigmouths at the cinema, what about the rest? The truth is there will always be a few boys trying to impress their counterparts and girlfriends by not acting scared. The easiest way to do this, they feel, is by laughing at the scariest moments. After all, if they are not making some sort of noise, then they just might be perceived as being as terrified as their date. What better way to communicate to his girl that he is not scared than by laughing and making silly comments when everyone else is screaming out in fear?

For the rest of us, we enjoy enjoy every minute of the tension filled moments. The scariest time of the movie is time to grip the pillow tighter, or pull our partners closer. So what if someone else is trying to ruin it. We won’t let them. After all, it may just be that their genes are to blame. Then there is always the DVD option. Buy the movie and watch it at home and you’ll never have to worry about those distractions.