In times of fear and uncertainty, Americans have traditionally turned to Hollywood for an uplifting escape from troubling news. Yet, in recent years, movie-goers have sought even more fearful experiences, flocking to horror films in record numbers. This surge in the horror genre, marked by unprecedented box office success and critical acclaim, reflects a disturbing trend where entertainment exploits our most basic fears through graphic violence and demonic themes. Such content risks desensitizing viewers to wicked thoughts and actions, making them vulnerable and frightened. In these fearful days, it is unwise to lower our guard and subject our minds to images glorifying evil and uncontrolled demonic activity. Instead, we are called to pursue diversions that stir up the gift of God within us, embracing a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind, as God has not given us a spirit of fear.

Popular culture can easily become an escape from the pressing issues of life and of this world, and in this sense, it becomes a trap. A person living in such a fantasy world can allow his problems to continue without resolution. If he attempts to implement fixes on his problems, they are often shallow, politically correct solutions that do not work in the real world. For instance, a mother addicted to soap operas has little chance of coming up with a workable answer to her teenage son's rebellion. She has no foundation for making such a decision; she is reduced to mimicking what she has learned from TV.