Curate, connect, and discover
On their trips around the world looking for creatures,
Context:
1 - Ford is attracted (not that way; I mean, maybe) to anything dangerous, and will ask anything questions. Stan has a sense of self preservation and was rightfully afraid of the 7 foot faceless man in the forest.
2 - Dipper or Mabel had a creepypasta phase, and they told Ford all about creepypastas and Slenderman. Vaguely knowing who he was already, they ran before shit could go down.
3 - Again, Ford's curiosity and lack of self-preservation getting him in dumb situations. Stan saving the day as normal. Ford was damn near close to a dangerous incident.
4 - Lame.