Scary media – whether that be in the form of slasher films, episodes about demonic possession or other portrayals of the dark side and sick behavior – have become the favorite genre of the Mosaic generation. One noted result is that feelings of fear about one’s environment are reaching record levels, manifested in nightmares, judgment of other people based upon appearance or stereotypes, and changes in daily behavioral routines to avoid scary places.

via Media Exposure, Addiction.

Okay, one more point I want to make.  This one is simple.  The fascination with slasher flicks is nothing new.  I can remember Friday the 13th movies, Halloween and Nightmare on Elm Street.  While a part of this is simply human nature, another part of this growing fascination is a failure of parenting.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things,” Philippians 4:8 tells us.  Yet, what are these kids consumed with?  Violence, fear, pain and all the ‘sick behavior’ of horror flicks.  Where they never taught that the Christian is to train their mind to meditate upon the things of God? Have they not been taught that perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:8)?  Or that we are not to fear anyone other than God (Matthew 10:28)?

So, simply put, I believe this growing fascination with horror results from 1) the de-Christianization of America and 2) Christian parents failing to disciple their children.