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Fear Facts

Facts about fear and phobias — the science behind what scares us and why.

24Total Facts

10True Facts

14Fake Facts

Exposure therapy is used to treat phobias and PTSD. Fear shrinks when faced safely. ✓ FACT
Fear can override logic in decision-making. Survival mode hijacks reason. ✓ FACT
Phobias are intense, irrational fears of specific objects or situations. Logic doesn’t get a vote. ✓ FACT
The fear of being judged can impair performance (social anxiety). Observation tightens pressure. ✓ FACT
‘The Blair Witch Project’ was shot on a $60,000 budget and earned nearly $250 million — fear has great ROI. ✓ FACT
Sound effects in horror movies often include animal sounds manipulated in post-production — fear has claws. ✓ FACT
The first powered vacuum cleaner was invented in 1901. Dust has been living in fear ever since. ✓ FACT
There is a medical condition called gelotophobia—fear of being laughed at — tough break in a world full of memes. ✓ FACT
Arachibutyrophobia is the fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of the mouth. The most relatable phobia ever. ✓ FACT
The fear of cooking is called mageirocophobia. Also known as “every bachelor’s condition.” ✓ FACT
A painting is considered “timeless” once someone spills wine near it and panics. Fear is the true preservation method. ✗ FAKE
Picasso had a period called “Oops, That’s Permanent.” Which is why erasers fear him. ✗ FAKE
The first car battery was charged by yelling at it. Which is why some engines start out of fear. ✗ FAKE
The first skyscraper had a “fear floor” — where everyone suddenly remembered gravity exists. ✗ FAKE
Comic Sans was originally commissioned for NASA mission patches. Which explains why astronauts fear friendly fonts. ✗ FAKE
The first brand guideline document was 400 pages of “don’t.” Consistency is mostly fear. ✗ FAKE
Albert Einstein wrote “E=MC²” on a napkin and still kept it. Because even geniuses fear losing notes. ✗ FAKE
The first Easter egg in a game was literally an egg. Which players ignored, because gamers fear simplicity. ✗ FAKE
The first calorie was discovered when someone looked at cake and felt fear. ✗ FAKE
Your brain prioritizes fear because it’s older than reason and louder at parties. ✗ FAKE
Humans can smell fear because the brain loves drama and the body leaks it in sweat. ✗ FAKE
Perfectionism is fear wearing a tuxedo. ✗ FAKE
The first lab coat was white to hide fear. Which explains the confident walking and shaky hands. ✗ FAKE
City taxis can smell fear. It’s in the meter. ✗ FAKE

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