Why we crave high-energy events like the World Cup

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the city isn't just preparing for soccer; it’s preparing for a massive psychological phenomenon. To understand why tens of thousands of people are willing to endure crowds, traffic, and high-ticket prices just to be "in the room," we turn to Dr. Ken Carter. Dr. Carter is a Charles Howard Candler Professor of Psychology at Emory’s Oxford College and the founding director of Emory’s Center for Public Scholarship and Engagement. He is also the author of "Buzz!: Inside the Minds of Thrill-Seekers, Daredevils, and Adrenaline Junkies."