Do you find yourself startled by jump scares in horror movies? You're not alone! According to audiologist Natalie Calderon Moultrie, it's all about evolution. Our bodies are naturally programmed to respond to sudden, high-pitched sounds as a warning sign for potential danger. This "startle pattern" was first studied in the 1930s by Carney Landis and William Hunt. It involves a rapid sequence of physical reactions, including blinking, head movement, and increased heart rate, designed to protect us from harm.

Source: https://www.popsci.com/science/jump-scare-evolution/