In our time, digital media’s presence in our lives is inevitable and enjoyable. Films, series, and real-life characters increasingly shape our perceptions, habits, and even our psychology. The influence of what we watch is not merely a superficial phenomenon on our mood, but is deeply rooted in neuroscience, affecting our mindset, subconsciousness, personality, and behavioral preferences.
1. Neuroscientific Impact on Mindset and Subconsciousness
Neuroscientific research demonstrates that media consumption can significantly impact our cognitive and emotional states (Fernández-Aguilar et al. 2019). The theory of neural mirroring suggests that watching people and characters express emotions or engage in specific behaviors activates similar neural circuits in the viewer’s brain. This mirroring effect can shape our own emotional responses and cognitive processes (Endedijk et al. 2017). For instance, studies have shown that viewing heroic people-helping characters can enhance children’s tendency to be helpful. It found that positive themes found in superhero films may be beneficial to the development of children, however, due to negative themes associated with violence, pediatric health care providers should counsel children and their families in an attempt to limit their exposure to violence-exhibiting films. A study by Frans B. M. de Waal and Stephanie D. Preston (2017) described a perception–action model which suggests that observing others’ emotions activates personal representations in our brains, which can ultimately foster similar empathetic behaviors in ourselves. This strongly suggests that watching compassionate or empathetic characters in media can enhance our own empathetic responses by engaging similar neural and emotional processes.
The study done by Askenasy and Lehmann (2013) examines the complex interplay between neuroplasticity, consciousness, and brain architecture, emphasizing how both top-down (consciousness shaping brain structure) and bottom-up (brain structure influencing consciousness) processes shape cognitive function. Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize itself, is central to this interaction, demonstrated by the case of stroke patient I.K., whose conscious determination sparked significant brain adaptation and remarkable recovery. The study also shows that even during sleep, consciousness can induce structural changes in the brain, with mental processes like intention, self-awareness, and memory actively reshaping neural pathways. The study highlights how external stimuli (could be found in media recurring themes and characters) influence neuroplasticity by altering the content of consciousness and brain structure. Media exposure introduces new experiences that become embedded in memory, triggering neuroplastic changes that reinforce cognitive and emotional patterns. This process mirrors how mental training enhances cognitive abilities, suggesting that repeated media exposure shapes neural pathways. The study further explores language’s role in brain development, illustrating how linguistic exposure alters neural networks and affects cognition, while also showing that sleep and dreams contribute to memory consolidation.
2. Shaping Personality and Habits
Media not only influences our immediate emotional responses but also plays a role in shaping our personality traits and habitual behaviors. Social learning theory, proposed by Albert Bandura, posits that people learn behaviors and attitudes through observing others. Films and series often portray various personality traits and lifestyles, which viewers may adopt or aspire to emulate. For instance, characters who display resilience or charisma can inspire similar traits in viewers, potentially influencing their personality development over time.
Research into identification theory suggests that viewers often identify with characters, adopting their attitudes and behaviors. It is implied that individuals who strongly identify with characters in media are more likely to exhibit similar behaviors and attitudes in their own lives, and that’s what we find ourselves expressing as “relatable”. This identification can extend to habits and preferences, where media portrayals of certain lifestyles or consumer products can significantly impact viewers’ choices and that’s what commercials tend to use.
3. Psychological Effects and Behavioral Preferences
The psychological effects of media exposure are profound. Media can shape our preferences by reinforcing certain behaviors or ideals. For example, repeated exposure to specific consumer products or lifestyles in films and series can influence viewers’ preferences and purchasing behaviors. A study published in “INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT AND MARKETING RESEARCH” (2012) found that brand placement through characters’ preferences in movies significantly impacted viewers’ brand preference, loyalty and intentions to purchase.
Moreover, the media’s portrayal of psychological themes can impact our mental health and attitudes. Media that depicts mental health struggles or psychological concepts can influence viewers’ understanding and attitudes towards these issues. For example, exposure to media that portrays mental health issues in a stigmatizing or inaccurate manner can reinforce negative stereotypes and potentially discourage individuals from seeking help.
In Conclusion
The intersection of media, neuroscience, and psychology reveals that what we watch is more than just entertainment; it actively shapes our mindset, subconscious preferences, personality, and behaviors. By understanding the profound influence of films and TV shows characters, we can become more mindful consumers of media and more aware of how these influences impact our lives. The scientific exploration of these effects underscores the importance of thoughtful media consumption and its potential to foster personal growth and societal change.