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How has social media impacted the horror genre?

Traci Ellsworthe

Hey there!

Social media has had a huge impact on the horror genre, both positively and negatively.
Let me explain.

On the positive side, social media has allowed for more horror content to be easily accessible and shared among fans. For example, platforms like YouTube and Vimeo have allowed for independent horror filmmakers to showcase their work to a wider audience. This has provided more opportunities for unique and creative horror stories to be told, beyond the mainstream Hollywood productions.

Social media has also created a space for horror fans to connect and share their love for the genre. Fans can interact with each other, sharing reviews, recommendations, and discussing their favorite horror movies and books. This community aspect has strengthened the horror genre as a whole, bringing more people together and encouraging the production of even more horror content.

However, social media has also had some negative impacts on the horror genre. One of the most significant ways social media has impacted the horror genre is through spoilers. Social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram make it much easier for people to spoil plot twists or reveal endings. This can ruin the horror experience for those who haven’t yet seen the movie or read the book, and can ultimately impact box office sales or ratings.

Additionally, social media has allowed for a rise in “jump scare” horror movies. These movies focus more on cheap thrills and quick scares rather than genuine horror and suspense. This is because social media has created a culture where people crave instant gratification and immediate reaction. While jump scare horror movies can be entertaining, they often lack the substance and depth of more traditional horror movies.

Finally, social media has also allowed for more negative criticism towards horror movies and creators. While constructive criticism can be helpful for filmmakers and writers to improve, social media has created an environment where people can be extremely negative and abusive towards creators. This can discourage people from entering the horror genre or creating more horror content.

In summary, social media has had both positive and negative impacts on the horror genre. While it has allowed for more opportunities for independent horror content and has created a strong community of horror fans, it has also increased the risk of spoilers, influenced the creation of “jump scare” horror movies, and allowed for more negative criticism towards creators. Nonetheless, social media has certainly played a significant role in the evolution of horror, and will continue to do so for years to come.