# Inhibiting Fear A reluctance to face personal fears prompts alternative methods of confrontation. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Mar 16, 2014, updated Apr 3, 2014 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/frightful-fascination ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.3/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Inhibiting Fear trend? **Inhibiting Fear:** With societal pressure for success often resulting in immense fears of failure, challenging tasks and fearful obstacles are continuously halted by inherent worries of inadequacy. As a method to tackle fears in a more subdued manner, consumers are turning to frightful imagery as a method to face personal terrors in a way that feels safe and unthreatening. The use of eerie references in media reflects a consumer demand for marketing approaches that help temper personal anxieties. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Apr 30, 2012 to Mar 15, 2014 - Published: Mar 16, 2014 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness) ## Audience - Gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Inhibiting Fear trend ### Confronting Fear with Humor Consumers are turning to comical depictions of fearful situations, encouraging brands to use humor to tackle anxieties. ### Turning Scary Imagery on its Head Brands are taking traditionally scary images and making them positive or helpful, providing a unique way to approach product advertisements. ### Zombie-Mania Zombies continue to be a popular cultural phenomenon, inspiring creative marketing campaigns from brands of all industries. ## What the Inhibiting Fear trend means for industry ### For Marketing and Advertising Brands have an opportunity to tackle consumer anxiety and promote products in unique, humorous ways. ### For Film and Entertainment The continued popularity of zombie culture provides an opportunity for creative and comedic film and entertainment productions. ### For Automotive and Technology Brands in the automotive and technology industries can use imagery from zombie culture to promote their products in exciting and captivating ways. ## Trend signals for Inhibiting Fear Trend score 3.3 out of 10, from popularity 65%, activity 27%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 65% - Activity: 27% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Inhibiting Fear trend 5 featured examples from Apr 30, 2012 to Mar 15, 2014. - [Enraged Snowmen Car Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zombie-snowmen): Nissan Takes On Zombie Snowmen in the New 2014 Nissan Rogue Ad (Category: Autos) Implication: Automakers can incorporate supernatural and humorous themes in their ads to differentiate from competitors. - [Extreme Zombie Grannies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zonajobs): Hilarious Zonajobs Commercial Shows Tough Grandma Being Repeatedly Killed (Category: Marketing) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity for advertising agencies to create unconventional and humorous campaigns that leave a lasting impact. - [Life-Saving Zombie Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-undeading): Promote Heart Disease Awareness at The 'Undeading' This Halloween (Category: Marketing) Implication: Utilizing creative and unconventional advertising techniques to promote social causes. - [Canadian Zombie Commercials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/canadian-film-fest): Canadian Film Fest Shows the Difficulties for Actors in the North (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create virtual film festival platforms that provide a seamless online experience for filmmakers to showcase their works and engage with internat… - [Apocalypse-Worthy Battery Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diehard-battery): This DieHard Battery is Your Best Bet in Case of a Zombie Attack (Category: Autos) Implication: Opportunity to market car batteries as dependable and necessary during worst-case scenarios. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Nostalgic Beauty Mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bliss-girl-series) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)