50+ Times People Shared The “Oddly Terrifying” Things They Witnessed

Winter isn’t just a time of bright, twinkling lights, hot cocoa, and holly-jolly goodness. There’s the creeping cold that seeps deep into your bones, dreary overcast grey days that get shorter with each passing day.

Maybe that’s why there are such fun and magical celebrations held during winter. To help drive away the eerie and unsettling feelings that come along with the season.

After all, the feelings of creepiness come from the overreaching theme of the unknown. The uncertainty of a place, person, or thing, and whether or not it could be dangerous to us is what causes those distressing feelings.

But for as uncomfortable as feeling creeped out can be, there’s something captivating about looking at creepy images. Creepy pictures can illicit unsettling feelings, but they can be hard to look away from.

And the internet has no shortage of weird or disturbing content. Take, for instance, the subreddit r/oddlyterrifying, a community dedicated to sharing, you guessed it, unusual and terrifying images.

With 2.5M members and counting, it definitely goes to show that in spite of ourselves, we are drawn to and fascinated by creepy things. We collected some of the most interesting and top-rated images to share with you today.

If you get creeped out easily, turn on some lights before you keep scrolling!

1. This Is Point Nemo, The Spot Farthest Away From Any Land In The World. You Are Closer To Astronauts Aboard The Iss Than Humanity

SabsWithR

2. A WW2 Bunker

SirSenSei

3. Why Even Need This Is What Scares Me

devilmcdonald

The Psychology Behind Fear and Surprise

Human beings are naturally drawn to the unknown, and experiences that evoke fear or surprise can be both thrilling and unsettling. Dr. Joseph LeDoux, a neuroscientist specializing in emotional responses, explains that the brain's fear circuitry is activated in response to unexpected stimuli. When individuals encounter 'oddly terrifying' situations, they may experience heightened arousal and an instinctual fight-or-flight response.

This biological reaction can lead to a mix of fear and curiosity, prompting individuals to engage with the experience, even when it evokes discomfort. Understanding this dynamic can help contextualize why people are intrigued by seemingly terrifying scenarios.

The Psychology of Fear and Surprise

This article showcases instances of 'oddly terrifying' experiences, highlighting the psychology behind fear and surprise.

Research in affective science indicates that fear responses can be triggered by unexpected stimuli, leading to heightened emotional responses.

Dr. Paul Ekman, a psychologist known for his work on emotions, explains that these reactions are rooted in evolutionary survival mechanisms.

4. Signature Evolution In Alzheimer’s Disease

Bigon_

5. Imagine Going To Explore Your Ski Resort On Holiday And Running Into This

Aromatic-Client336

6. We Hired A Chimney Specialist Today And They Found This. They Said “Well, This Is A First”

TheClarkes

Additionally, a social psychological perspective offers insights into how fear-based experiences influence social behavior. Dr. Dacher Keltner's research on emotions suggests that shared experiences of fear can foster social bonding and increase empathy among individuals. When people encounter terrifying situations together, such as witnessing something odd or frightening, it can create a sense of shared vulnerability that enhances social connection.

The 'oddly terrifying' experiences shared online may serve as a modern form of storytelling that allows individuals to connect over their fears and curiosities, reinforcing social ties.

Studies show that surprising or terrifying experiences can evoke strong emotional responses, often leading to laughter as a coping mechanism.

According to research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, humor can serve as a buffer against fear and anxiety, providing relief in stressful situations.

7. Inside A Hong Kong Coffin Home

rizenHeH

8. Just A Little Reddit Before Bed

Robinson3m

9. Walking Home 4 Miles In Abandoned Railroad Tracks

0asisfan2

Coping with Fear and Anxiety

To navigate feelings of fear and anxiety, individuals can benefit from employing coping strategies that promote emotional regulation. Dr. Brene Brown’s work on vulnerability emphasizes the importance of embracing our fears rather than avoiding them. By acknowledging and discussing fears openly, individuals can reduce their power and influence over their lives.

For those who encounter 'oddly terrifying' experiences, practicing mindfulness techniques can help ground them in the present, reducing feelings of anxiety and promoting a sense of safety.

The Role of Context in Fear Responses

Context plays a significant role in how individuals experience fear and surprise.

Research indicates that situational factors can amplify or mitigate fear responses, influencing overall emotional reactions.

Understanding these dynamics can help individuals better manage their responses to fear-inducing stimuli.

10. A Large Snapping Turtle Surfaces Next To A Fishing Boat While They Were Checking Their Traps

WolvensongReport

11. The More I Learn About Mushrooms The Less Comfortable I Am With The Idea Of Mushrooms

Pure_Reason

12. Woman’s Neighbor Sprays Raid, Peeks Through The Slits In The Fence…

14thCenturyHood

Moreover, engaging with fear-based experiences through a lens of curiosity can foster resilience. Dr. Paul Gilbert, a clinical psychologist known for his work on compassion-focused therapy, suggests that approaching fear with curiosity can lead to personal growth and understanding. Instead of succumbing to panic, individuals might find opportunities for learning and exploration in frightening scenarios.

This shift in perspective can transform fear into a catalyst for personal development, leading to a more fulfilling engagement with life’s uncertainties.

To cope with fear and surprise, individuals can practice grounding techniques that help anchor them in the present moment.

Mindfulness exercises can reduce anxiety and enhance emotional regulation, allowing individuals to respond more effectively to unexpected situations.

Incorporating these practices into daily life can improve overall emotional resilience.

13. Antheraea Polyphemus... Basically A Tarantula With Wings

aristogenic

14. A Schizophrenic Patient’s Last Drawing Before Suicide

Weekly-Reason9285

15. These Are Pics From My Job On A 2000ft Tall Radio Tower, Working For Maintenance, The Views Are Incredible

According_South_2500

The Role of Humor in Facing Fears

Humor serves as an effective tool for coping with fear and anxiety. Dr. Herbert M. Lefcourt, a psychologist known for his research on humor, explains that laughter can alleviate tension and foster resilience in the face of fear. By finding humor in terrifying situations, individuals can create a buffer against anxiety and build stronger coping mechanisms.

In the context of 'oddly terrifying' experiences, embracing humor can transform fear into a shared joke, enhancing social bonds and promoting emotional well-being.

The Humor of the Unexpected

Humor often arises from unexpected or absurd situations, providing a way to cope with discomfort.

Research suggests that laughter can help individuals bond over shared experiences, even those that are frightening.

This phenomenon underscores the importance of humor as a psychological tool in navigating fear.

16. This Is The Last Source Of Light For 600 Miles

Flavz_the_complainer

17. This Banana Blossom

journeyman369

18. Appears I Had A Visitor While Working Alone In A Large Abandoned Basement…

ssweigart1029

Ultimately, navigating fear with curiosity and humor can lead to a richer understanding of our emotional responses. Research in positive psychology suggests that individuals who can approach fear with a lighthearted attitude often experience greater resilience and overall happiness. By embracing the complexities of fear, individuals can cultivate a more adaptive mindset that enhances their coping abilities.

19. A Bat Nursery

Gainsborough-Smythe

20. This Abandoned Traffic Jam In Sweden. What Gives?

wadye

21. Meanwhile, In Australia

umbertocsaba

22. An AI's Interpretation Of The Word "Religion"

Lead-Fire

23. My Shot Of A Close Up Of A Longhorn Beetle From A Different Angle

Daraojomacro

24. This Statue Of The Devil Defeating The Archangel Michael On Top Of A Tomb That Is Caged Off

BJAlex_aka_AhnJiwon

25. The View From My Grandmothers Sun Room…

CalebPoland

26. This Warning Sign

Ambassador_Academic

27. Do An Oil Change, They Said, Ignore The Mess, They Said

EndersGame_Reviewer

28. These Bathroom Tiles

BigfootDynamite

29. Imagine The Consequences Of Not Noticing These

505nick

30. Seems Like A Stone Giant Is Waking Up

justadair

31. Mother Centipede Cradling Her Children

Acetosedactylis73

32. And They Were Never Seen Again

BacharElSalad

33. Lighthouse By The Coast Of Iceland

fyflate89

34. A 4-Year-Old Boy Named Bobby Dunbar Disappeared While On A Trip With His Family

SouthsFinest-

35. Lake Mead 1983 vs. 2021

GrowthFinal7547

36. A Three-Legged Dog Licking Its Back

Capitalsplat411

37. My Friend Went Into A Fugue State And Wandered Into The Countryside At 3am

Mighty_Cunnus

38. Years Old Green Serpentine Stone Mask Found At The Base Of Pyramid Of The Sun, Teotihuacán, Mexico

https://www.reddit.com/r/oddlyterrifying/comments/xfh9xn/2000_years_old_green_serpentine_stone_mask_found/?ref=share&ref_source=link

39. My Wife Found This Trail-Cam Pointed At The Back Door Of The Restaurant She Manages

DangerDee007

40. Instead Of Carving The Jack-O-Lantern Myself This Year

Texas1971

41. These Scenes From The Kids Show Courage The Cowardly Dog

Lord_Despairagus

42. Stevn King In The 70's vs. Steven King In His 70's

blaketbailey

43. A Screaming Dead Sun

FumingOstrich35

44. A Disease That Has No Cure

DickDoodle830

45. If We Drew Modern Animals The Way We Draw Dinosaurs, Based On Bones Alone

JamesMG27

46. Chinese Ghost City. Huge Skyscraper Areas That No One Lives In

HuldaGnodima

47. Bugs Escaping From A Flood

WorthEvent6967

48. World Cup Mascot, La'eeb, On A TV Show In Brazil

RakonHenri

49. This Honesly Makes Me Feel Sad If Anything

Aromatic-Client336

50. My Father In Their Home Right Now During Ian

Annies_Boobs

51. Known Locations Of Bodies On Mt. Everest

SomeoneFromGalar

52. Hate Waking Up To This

skollywag92

53. My Spine. I Went In For Surgery At 5'10", Came Out 6'2", I'm Supposed To Be 6'7"

KelGuapo

54. Remindes Me Of Attack On Titan

gnostichell

55. This Amazon Warehouse In Tijuana, Mexico

bennyhendrix212

56. This Past Thursday Marked The 13th Anniversary Of John Jones Death In Nutty Putty Cave

0asisfan2

57. A Sweet Potato Dug Up From A Garden

justadair

58. Ponte City Apartments In Johannesburg, South Africa. The Tallest Residential Building On The African Continent

fyflate89

59. So, Did You Like The Zoo?

eri_T-34

60. Civilians Taking Care Of Zoo Animals In Their Own Homes During WWII

thenRest494

61. Every Single Frog Is Looking Eerily In The Same Direction

Spacee_7

While not generally a *fun* way to feel, feeling creeped out is actually a pretty helpful response. Similar to anxiety, our brains become more alert and help raise our awareness of danger.

Are you a fan of the creepy and eerie things in life? Or do you prefer the softer, comforting bits of the world?

What’s something that gives you the creeps? Let us know in the comments section below!

Expert Opinion

This collection of experiences highlights the powerful interplay between fear and humor.

Encouraging individuals to find humor in unexpected situations can enhance emotional resilience and foster connection.

Dr Aaron Mills

Psychologist

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

In conclusion, understanding the psychology of fear and surprise can provide valuable insights into human behavior.

Research supports the idea that humor can be an effective coping mechanism in the face of fear and unexpected experiences.

By embracing these dynamics, individuals can enhance their emotional resilience and navigate life's uncertainties more effectively.

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Clinical psychologists affirm that understanding our emotional responses to fear and surprise can enhance personal growth and social connections. According to the American Psychological Association: 'Embracing curiosity and humor in the face of fear can foster resilience.' By developing effective coping strategies and a lighthearted approach, individuals can navigate life's uncertainties with greater ease.