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Originally Posted by kennyc
Becoming a Vampire Without Being Bitten: Reading Expands Our Self-Concepts, Study Shows
ScienceDaily (Apr. 22, 2011) — "We read to know we are not alone," wrote C.S. Lewis. But how do books make us feel we are not alone?
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One of my favorite quotes from Lewis! As for the article, I wonder how much of this same phenomenon can be attributed to mob-mentality as well. This part in particular caught my attention:
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As predicted, on both measures, Harry Potter readers "became" wizards and the Twilight readers "became" vampires. In addition, participants who were more group-oriented in life showed the largest assimilation effects. Finally, "belonging" to these fictional communities delivered the same mood and life satisfaction people get from affiliation with real-life groups.
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That seems a little counter-intuitive to me. It seems to discount those people who prefer fictional people in literature over real ones and don't seek belonging with actual people of any group. I wonder if the same sort of responses would be garnered from them. Would they identify with fictional groups even though they don't, and in fact often avoid, groups in life?
Very interesting article Kenny!