It could mean that humans have the capacity to do very cruel and terrifying things. Our history is full of wars, violence, and atrocities that can be seen as 'scary stories' in themselves.
Well, one reason could be that they make us feel a range of emotions. Also, they often have mystery and suspense, which keeps us hooked and wanting to know more.
Serial killers are a prime example. Their actions of brutally murdering people are like the most terrifying stories. They often have a pattern of behavior that is both chilling and difficult to understand, like a real - life horror plot.
Well, humans began telling scary stories way back. Maybe it was to deal with fears, bond with others, or pass on warnings. These stories could have originated in small communities around campfires.
It could be scary because licking hands is an abnormal and unhygienic behavior. It might be associated with some kind of mental disorder or possession in a horror - themed context, making it seem very strange and terrifying.
In such a story, it could be that the person who licks hands gradually loses their ability to communicate in a normal way. Instead, they start making strange guttural sounds while licking, as if they are being controlled by an unknown force. This force could be an ancient evil that has been awakened and is using the person's body to manifest its presence. As the story progresses, the person's appearance might also change, becoming more and more distorted, with their eyes taking on a glazed and menacing look.
Maybe it's a story set in a post - apocalyptic world. There's a new virus that makes humans lick too. People start licking each other and it spreads a deadly disease. It's scary because everyone is slowly turning into these mindless licking creatures, and society breaks down as people are too terrified to interact with each other.