October 21, 2016
Prof on Halloween, a good scare and belief in the paranormal
Glenn Sparks, a Purdue University professor in the Brian Lamb School of Communication, can talk about the science of a good scare and belief in the paranormal, as well as the effects of frightening images, especially on children.
"Fright and frightening images are everywhere as it's big business for the Halloween season," Sparks says. "All in good fun can often be too scary for children, especially younger children. Whether it is a film or even Halloween decorations, technology has made many things seem more lifelike and, therefore, even more terrifying for children. Adult imaginations are running wild for children."
Sparks also can talk about:
* How children understand the difference between fantasy and reality.
* The appeal of violence in movies and the movie rating system.
* Frightening images on television news or online.
* Communication technologies and relationships. Sparks is co-author of "Refrigerator Rights: Our Crucial Need for Close Connection," which was published in 2002.
Writer: Amy Patterson Neubert, 765-494-9723, apatterson@purude.edu
Source: Glenn Sparks is available by email or phone, sparks@purdue.edu
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