Why do we like to be scared? | Dr. Margee Kerr | TEDxFoggyBottom

Summary

In a gripping narrative, the speaker recounts a harrowing experience at the CN Tower, prompting reflections on the nature of fear. While often perceived negatively, fear can also enhance our awareness and connection with others. Through personal anecdotes and academic exploration, the speaker highlights how fear can be exhilarating and transformative, fostering deeper relationships and personal growth. Ultimately, they encourage viewers to embrace their fears, understanding that these experiences shape our identity and resilience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Fear is a complex emotion that varies from person to person.
• 😀 Engaging with fear can lead to feelings of exhilaration and personal growth.
• 😀 Fear often serves as a protective mechanism, helping us respond to threats.
• 😀 Experiences of fear can create strong bonds between friends and family.
• 😀 Societal forces frequently manipulate fear for political and media agendas.
• 😀 The physiological response to fear can help us stay present and focused.
• 😀 Confronting fear can provide valuable insights into our own identities.
• 😀 Shared experiences of fear can enhance emotional connections and memories.
• 😀 Not all fear is negative; it can be a source of empowerment.
• 😀 Understanding our own fear responses can help us reclaim and own our experiences.

Q & A

What personal experience did the speaker share to illustrate fear?

The speaker recounted their experience at the CN Tower in Toronto, where they signed a waiver and walked along the edge of the tower, confronting their unexpected fear of heights.

How does the speaker define fear in relation to their students' responses?

The speaker notes that while fear is a universally understood concept, definitions vary widely among students, with responses including physical symptoms like heart rate and sweaty palms.

What role does fear play in social issues, according to the speaker?

Fear often underlies hate, discrimination, and violence, driving societal issues by fostering fear of those who are different or challenge our beliefs.

How do media outlets exploit fear, as described in the script?

The speaker highlights that media often capitalizes on people's fears to attract attention, suggesting that sensationalized stories 'bleed' to lead in news cycles.

What motivated the speaker to explore fear more deeply?

Feeling overwhelmed and seeking a distraction during grad school, the speaker realized they wanted to engage with fear intentionally, leading to their investigation of fear-related experiences.

What were some of the methods used to study fear in the speaker's research?

The speaker collaborated with a cognitive neuroscientist to create a makeshift lab in a haunted attraction, studying participants' feelings and cognitive processing before and after engaging with fear-inducing scenarios.

How can fear be perceived positively, according to the speaker?

In certain contexts, fear can enhance feelings of exhilaration and present-moment awareness, similar to the rush experienced during physical challenges or competitive sports.

What did the speaker learn about the communal aspect of fear?

The speaker noted that fear can bring people together, as shared experiences of fear, such as during a haunted house visit, create emotional connections and lasting memories.

What does the speaker suggest about personal experiences of fear?

The speaker encourages individuals to recognize and explore their own fear responses, asserting that understanding personal fear can empower individuals against external manipulations.

What overall message does the speaker want to convey regarding fear?

The speaker urges listeners to reconsider their perception of fear, advocating for the ownership and exploration of personal fears rather than allowing others to exploit them.