In some stories, it might be the sense of the unknown. For example, when there are unexplained phenomena like objects moving on their own. You don't know what's causing it, and that's really terrifying.
The feeling of being watched is really terrifying. In many true stories, people describe that creepy sensation of eyes on them, but when they look around, there's nothing there. It gives a sense of dread and paranoia. For example, in the story of the old house where the family always felt watched, but they could never find the source.
The unknown and the sense of impending doom. In the story with the truck driver and the strange noises and the apparition, the hitchhiker had no idea what was going to happen next. The fear of the unknown, like whether the driver was a threat or if there were really ghosts, is a very scary aspect in these types of stories.
The scariest part is often the unknown. In many true scary stories, like the haunted house ones, not knowing what is causing the strange noises or apparitions. It could be anything, and that sense of mystery and potential danger is terrifying.
In some of the stories, the sudden appearance of the supernatural entities is the scariest part. Like in the haunted house story, when a ghostly figure just pops up in front of you out of nowhere. It gives you an instant shock.
The suddenness is often the scariest part. Lightning can strike without warning, like in the story of the hiker where it hit the tree near him so suddenly. Another scary aspect is the power it shows. When it causes destruction, like splitting a tree or hitting a chimney and causing sparks. It makes people realize how vulnerable they are.
For me, the scariest is the voices. In exorcism stories, the possessed often speak in strange voices that are not their own, sometimes multiple voices at once. These voices can be guttural, demonic-sounding, and they often say things that are disturbing or full of hatred.
The sense of isolation. Orphans are already alone in the world, and when something scary happens, they have no real family to turn to. For example, in the haunted orphanage stories, they can't just go home to a safe place.
The unexpectedness. For example, in a story about a spooky mirror, you might think it's just a normal mirror at first. But then suddenly it shows a face that's not yours, and that sudden shock is a really scary part. It's the element of surprise that makes dumb scary stories effective.
Maybe the descriptions of the strange creatures. They can be really spooky.
When the shark starts to circle its prey. This creates a sense of impending doom. The prey, whether it's a surfer or a diver, knows that the shark is sizing them up and could attack at any moment. It's like being in a slow - motion horror movie where you can't escape the inevitable.