If you have, you are not alone: you are likely experiencing narrative transportation, a phenomenon whereby audience members feel so involved in a storyline that it can influence their attitudes and behavior in reality, even after they have finish watching a film or reading a story.
The studies reveal the influence of films on people's beliefs and opinions, stereotypes and attitudes. Movies can have a significant impact on gender and ethnic stereotypes [21,22], change attitudes towards certain groups of people and cause newly formed opinions on various issues.
They transport us into the world of their characters: to see as they see, feel as they feel, and even totally identify with a character in some cases. We know movies are not real, but we are so engrossed that we emotionally react as though they are.
If you feel this way, then you may be happy to know that watching a movie can actually have unexpected benefits: According to psychologists, movies may help us grow our strengths and become better people. Cinematherapy—or using movies as an adjunct to psychotherapy—has been around for many years.
Emotions: Film watching has a cathartic effect, allowing viewers to experience strong emotions through an activity. This can be very beneficial for those who have trouble expressing emotions, as films may easily prompt them to laugh, cry, or experience an emotion.
Although going to a movie theater can be exciting, movies can create anxiety for children with loud noises and frightening and upsetting scenes. Some children cannot tolerate the darkness of a movie theater, even with their parents present.
“It would suggest that people do form parasocial relationships with these characters, and it's probably because they see more of their personality traits reflected in those characters,” Webster said. “Which means, if they like the character, it's because of what they see of themselves.”
Frequent crying can also be linked to personality traits such as neuroticism and emotional sensitivity or mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. High stress levels and past traumas can also play a role.
A sad film might help us release our emotions or a comedy might lift our mood. Movies can also offer a chance to connect with and explore our emotions in a safe way. Because of the effect that films can have, there's growing interest in using them as a therapeutic tool.
Trait-like attributes associated with susceptibility to peer influence include conformity dispositions, social goals, resource acquisition strategies, vulnerabilities, and maturational status.
Being easily influenced by others can be due to a variety of factors, including low self-esteem, a need for approval, a lack of self-confidence, and a desire to fit in with others.
Over time, binge-watching may harm your health in ways you may not expect. Among the concerns researchers have raised are decreased physical activity, sleep problems and fatigue, blood clots, heart problems, poor diet, social isolation, behavioral addiction, and cognitive decline.
Relaxation. Pleasurable distractions and entertainment could provide rest and relaxation and replenishing qualities, according to a 2017 study. Finding relaxation by watching a movie might be easier than it sounds. It might be a good idea to eliminate unnecessary distractions during the movie.
As previously said, watching movies can have a positive emotional impact. Movies can calm us down and soothe us. We reduce the stress within us by lowering worry, and even watching a movie may turn all negative thoughts into the better, as long as it is enjoyable.
Why do I like watching movies over and over again?
The calming feeling of re-watching movies is 'experiential control', which provides 'emotional regulation'. To put it simply, because you know the ending already, you also know how it will make you feel.” Think of these movies as a time machine of sorts.
Understanding The Complex Importance of Grief And Other Emotions… Crying is a sign of strength because it is a demonstration of a completely comfortable relationship with the self. Choosing to cry and feel is a choice in the interest of one's emotional health.
But Elaine Aron, one of the leading writers and researchers on the personality trait of high sensitivity (sensory processing sensitivity) notes it is present for about 15 to 20 percent of us. She has found that HSPs (highly sensitive persons) “do cry more readily than others.
Not only are HSPs extra sensitive to environmental stimulation, they're also sensitive emotionally. According to Dr. Elaine Aaron, author of The Highly Sensitive Person, sensitive people tend to cry more easily than others. “Sensitive people can't help but express what they're feeling,” she told the Huffington Post.
A disorder called fictophilia (Fictophilia Mental Health) causes someone to feel romantic feelings, intense cravings, and even sexual attraction for a fictional figure. It is distinct from simple appreciation and more like real-world infatuation.
This feeling of affection could be a sign that you're capable of a lot of empathy. There is not much hard science out there that explain why some people tend to be highly passionate fans while others are more casual.
The study found that, as with any crush, we are first drawn to fictional characters because of an attraction to their personality, skills and abilities. Then, through a series of parasocial interactions, we begin to develop a parasocial relationship with them.
Many characters become role models, which means that children begin to imitate their actions and behaviours. Movies help youngsters to see the difference between good and evil. Many films can also help to make the right decisions and think independently.
They can help the economy grow, inspire individuals, and expand our basic knowledge of the world around us. Movies can also create violence and bad habits, can make people greedier, and can send a bad message to the public. The effects that films have on society are numerous and two-fold.
The negatives. Overall, the research showed that movies and television can have negative effects on children, spanning from negative health and development effects and language development issues in children under two, to links to obesity, tobacco use, and issues with aggression and attention in older children.
