Stress-inducing Objects like Jack-in-the-box: Adults’ behavior and their reactions to Сhildren’s and other Adults’ reactions

Abstract

We consider a special class of cultural objects like Jack-in-the-Box. They are scary for many children. Screamers from horror movies and computer video games are phenomena of the same type. We analyze Internet videos in which adults organize children’s encounters with Jack-in-the-Boxes and comments under the videos. Some adults are upset about the children’s fear and cry, but some others enjoy it. In the comments, one can read emotional polemics between those who write that the children’s fear is funny, and Jack-in-the-Boxes do not have negative effects and those who write that it is harmful for children and shameful for the adults doing it for fun and enjoyment. From rational-and-pragmatical point of view of the evolutionary approach, objects like Jack-in-the-Box can be considered stress-inducing means of preparation for the stress of encountering novelty and unpredictability. This does not remove personal moral responsibility from those who seek enjoyment in young children’s fear and cry, and those who organize conditions for them. In the future, an analysis of Jack-in-the-Boxes among other counter-exploratory objects punishing for their exploration and curiosity aimed at them can be of interest. The stress of encountering these objects can be increased by recognition of the premeditation of the provocative situation and the disloyalty or treachery of the person creating it.