Just as the “Scream” franchise loves to milk every dollar out of that well-known Ghostface mask, the internet loves to latch onto this freaky trend every year around Halloween.
The symbol of the slasher series has now become somewhat of a sexual fantasy online, namely TikTok, and not only is the trend just worn out but has also taken a very odd turn, as most of these trends do.
At its core, the Ghostface trend is really nothing more than a horror rendition of a mask kink. A mask kink is defined as a “sexual attraction or desire directed at people who wear face masks,” and those who have one “often prefer having sex while their partners are wearing a mask.”
The trend not only serves those attracted to the mask but also the mask wearer. There is a certain confidence many have in the comfort of anonymity, and wearing a mask is a good way to go about it.
As the holiday is long known for dressing up, particularly weaning costumes and also masks, it would make sense for a trend like this to appear around the holiday. It’s the fascination with Ghostface that is the surprising piece of it.
There is a logical reason why people have found themselves head over heels for their partners in the slasher mask.
Fear and arousal are often associated with the same bodily reactions. Adrenaline accompanies the body in both cases of fear and sexual attraction, increasing heart rate and blood pressure, according to Gigi Engle, a certified sex and relationship psychotherapist and resident intimacy expert.
The trend itself depicts one partner, dressed as Ghostface, and the other shown as his next slasher victim. Often accompanied by roleplay, instead of following the plot of the Scream films, this takes a more flirtatious approach, just dressed in those specific roles.
The trend feels a bit twisted in a way, despite mask kinks being relatively common. Something about this mask in particular has people in a daze, and it just feels strange. Without kink-shaming or putting a damper on anyone’s Halloween, there are much better masks to choose from to participate in this trend. Less murderous ones at that.
There’s just something a lot more appealing about unmasking a superhero, such as Spiderman or Deadpool, than something like a Michael Myers mask. Tying in a bit of history as well, putting a fun twist on something like a masquerade ball is another way to tie in a mask for both partners. Hell, a motorcycle helmet will do. There’s just no sexual appeal in the white elongated face that is the “Scream” mask.
Whether partners choose to take part in a fun sexual twist on the holiday, just try not to take it too far or maybe just opt for a better mask. There’s just something a bit odd about a partner really wanting to roleplay a murderous character.
BedPost is a sex and relationship column that does not reflect the views of The Post.
