One story could be about a friendly ghost that just wants to help a little girl find her lost doll. It's not really scary because the ghost has kind intentions.
They're popular because they give a bit of a thrill without being too terrifying. People like the idea of a little scare that ends up being okay in the end.
They are so scary because they mix the ordinary with the supernatural. Take 'Harold' for instance. A scarecrow is a common sight in a field, but when it comes to life, it turns the familiar into something terrifying. The stories also have a great sense of suspense that keeps you on edge.
They often play on common fears. For example, fear of the dark, things that lurk in the shadows. Many of the stories have elements like strange noises or unseen presences that tap into our primal fear of the unknown.
The use of common fears like being trapped in a spooky place. Take the forest story. People are generally afraid of getting lost in a large, unfamiliar forest. And when strange things start to happen like seeing shadowy figures, it amplifies that fear. Also, the fact that the hikers can't find a way out easily makes it scarier. It plays on our basic survival instincts.
The element of truth in these stories makes them scary. When we know that something really happened, it becomes more terrifying. For example, if a story is about a real murder case with some unexplained aspects, like the killer was never found or there were strange circumstances around the crime. It makes us feel that such danger could be lurking around us too.
The fear of the supernatural that these stories play on is what makes them so scary. Since we live in a world where the natural laws seem to govern everything, the idea of a goast that defies these laws is deeply unsettling. It challenges our understanding of reality and makes us feel vulnerable.
Alligators are unpredictable. In stories, they can be lurking quietly in the water or the mud, and suddenly lunge at their prey without warning. Also, their powerful jaws are a big part of what makes them scary. Once they clamp down on something, it's very difficult for their prey to escape.