Research Introduction

The Backrooms phenomenon emerged from a single image posted on 4chan in 2019, depicting a seemingly endless maze of empty office spaces with yellowed wallpaper and fluorescent lighting. This image sparked a collaborative mythology that has grown into a significant digital horror phenomenon. The concept taps into fundamental human fears of isolation, endless repetition, and the uncanny valley - where something familiar becomes deeply unsettling. The Backrooms represents a unique intersection of digital culture, collaborative storytelling, and psychological horror.

While extensive research exists on traditional horror media and some digital horror phenomena (such as Slender Man and the SCP Foundation), the Backrooms phenomenon remains academically unexplored. This gap is particularly significant because: • The Backrooms represents a new evolution in collaborative digital horror • It uniquely combines visual, narrative, and psychological elements • Its rapid growth and cultural impact remain unexamined • The phenomenon's relationship with liminal spaces offers new insights into digital horror

Primary Question: "What psychological and cultural factors drive the appeal of digital horror lore, particularly in the context of liminal spaces like the Backrooms?" Secondary Questions: • How do liminal spaces trigger psychological responses in viewers? • What role does community participation play in developing digital horror narratives? • How does the concept of "familiar unfamiliarity" contribute to horror effectiveness? • What cultural factors influence the spread and evolution of digital horror phenomena?

This research draws from multiple theoretical perspectives: 1. Digital Folklore Theory - Examining how online communities create and spread modern myths - Understanding the role of collaborative storytelling in digital spaces 2. Psychological Horror Theory - Analyzing the uncanny valley effect in liminal spaces - Investigating the psychology of fear in digital contexts 3. Cultural Studies - Exploring how digital horror reflects contemporary anxieties - Examining the role of shared experiences in horror narratives 4. Media Studies - Analyzing the evolution of horror in digital spaces - Understanding how platform dynamics influence horror content