Why do humans scream when they are in fear?

Question

Why is it that whenever someone is afraid, whether it be in horror movies or real life, they always scream?

Answer 1

yes

Answer 2

It's an emergency method of communication that evolved out of a social necessity to alert the rest of the group or other humans when there could be danger or warn something is wrong and threatens personal safety.

Answer 3

i think for some reason, when your scared it makes you feel less scared if you scream, or make some sound with the hope that someone will hear you. If you are on your own and scared, and don't scream or shout then i think you become more distressed and nervous than you would if you did scream.

Answer 4

One existentialist philosopher considers this  one proof that God exists.  We scream at the top of our voice when we are afraid in an unconscious effort to reach God (who is figuratively above in heaven).  It's not exactly a cry for rescue by others because even if we know we are alone in a desolate place we still scream.  Animals, however, since do not believe in a higher Being do not scream out of fear, only out of pain.

Answer 5

It's an expression of their fear. Just like when most people cry when they're sad or laugh or smile when they're happy.

Answer 6

Big Sky 23 got it right. It's in our primal nature to do this. Just as when a dog is frightened enough it will yelp and whimper, so will we when scared or startled. Some people don't, some people do.

Answer 7

For those who scream, an not everyone does, it is an automatic cry for help to draw others' attention..

Answer 8

Usually it's because they've just realised what that lump in their underpants actually is.

Answer 9

I've never screamed. I have however run away like a little girl.

Answer 10

an expression of fear.. it's human nature.. whenever you are in trouble or scared of anything, you scream for help..to let people know you need help  so someone else comes and saves you from it

Answer 11

It's an evolutionary method used by humans to warn other humans of danger and also to ask for assitance.

I'm an odd-ball. I close my eyes and ears and start singing when I'm scared.. :S