Grindr: Survey Finds ‘Scarousal’, Costume Preferences and Halloween Hookup Trends
A new Grindr survey of 1,100 active U.S. users, conducted October 3–10, 2025, reveals how the app’s community approaches Halloween: from the kinds of costumes that lead to hookups to the surprising prevalence of “scarousal” — arousal triggered by fear.
According to the survey (reported by Grindr), most respondents said fear and thrills often translate into sexual interest. Eighty-two percent confirmed that the excitement of a horror movie or haunted house has turned them on, and 71% said they consider “scarousal” to be a real psychological phenomenon rather than a joke.
What Scares Turn You On
Participants named several films that combine fright with sex appeal; the top picks included Interview with the Vampire, American Psycho and Jennifer’s Body. Monster preferences also split into distinct archetypes: 46% favored the sleek, dominant “vampire energy,” while 32% preferred the hairier, more primal werewolf type. When it came to kinky monster features, fangs were the most popular at 52%, with claws and tentacles each at 24%.
Who’s the Sexiest Halloween Character?
When asked to name the hottest Halloween character, respondents put Ghostface from Scream at the top (33.2%), followed by Remmick from Sinners (17.2%) and Michael Myers (15.6%).
Costumes, Nudity and Roleplay
Costume choices on hookup night skewed toward minimal coverage: 59% of users would prefer a hookup who is naked or nearly so (31% want full commando; 28% prefer a costume that barely counts as clothing). The remaining 41% said they prefer the costume to stay on for roleplay reasons.
Respondents also shared memorable, surprisingly sexy looks they’d seen on the app, including a “slutty Albert Einstein,” “Ghostface but in a stripper outfit,” a genderbent Patrick Bateman, “the Grindr Torso (smiley mask, harness, underwear),” a werewolf head and nothing else, and two hairy guys dressed as Romy and Michele in tight satin dresses.
Expectations vs. Fears on Halloween Night
Expectations for Halloween hookups are high: 61% of respondents believe they are more likely to hook up on Halloween than on other nights. Yet users also reported specific fears about encounters: a hookup lasting under 15 minutes (40.9%), a partner with a great costume who’s boring in bed (37.9%), and a date who hates horror movies (21.2%).
The “I’m Scared” Move
The playful tactic of saying “I’m scared” during a scary movie appears effective. Overall, 68% of users reported having used or received the line: 32% deployed it themselves and 36% had someone use it on them. One respondent summed up their experience plainly: “Yes, and it worked every time.”
