Creepy Case Study: Plain Language Puts the Scary in Scary Movies

Casual meetup with my cool new friend this weekend. They could really use some meat on their bones, though...

It’s Halloween week, y’all.

For me, that means putting the final touches on my costume, blasting themed playlists, sneaking some candy early (just a couple pieces!) — and definitely watching those scary movies that just don’t hit right in September or November. This year, those movies got me thinking...

A lot of horror movies (my faves, at least) are predictable, with plotlines like:

1.       An unbreakable rule is clearly communicated: “Don’t go into the basement!”

2.       The unbreakable rule is immediately broken.

3.       The characters suffer grisly consequences.

It’s what makes yelling warnings at the screen—and then feeling smug about your own superior survival instincts—so delightful. I would NEVER be lured into that scary basement. Definitely.

That smugness is rooted in our (my) high estimations of how well we could receive, understand, and evaluate important information meant to protect our health. But what if that information was unclear, obtuse, overly complex, or presented in a long-winded or confusing way?

Welcome to my creepy plain language case study. Join me as I re-imagine some common horror tropes using some truly scary complex language. Grab your popcorn, and get ready to get scared.

The Basement

‼️ Don’t go into the basement!

😱 Occupants are advised that unexplained physical phenomena, including but not limited to auditory, visual, and bodily hallucinations, may be experienced in subterranean areas of the residence.

The Mysterious Stranger

‼️ Don’t invite him in!

😱 Prior to granting entry authorization to unaffiliated nocturnal visitors, occupants should consider the potential for adverse outcomes.

The Group

‼️ Stay with the group!

😱 In the event of a perceived threat, it is recommend that group cohesion be maintained and that dispersal of individuals be avoided where feasible.

The Phone Call

‼️ The call is coming from inside the house!

😱 Please be advised that the incoming telephonic communication has been determined to have originated from within the building’s premises.

Scared yet?

Characters in horror movies never heed the warning. But when it comes to health communication, the stakes are higher than a jump scare making you spill your Mike & Ikes. When instructions really matter, plain language is what gets your point across and keeps audiences informed and safe.

If you celebrate, have a safe and fun Halloween! And remember: don’t go into the basement. 🎃