“Story is the world’s first virtual reality, minus the daring visor,” says Cron. “They’ve done fMRI studies that show that when you’re absorbed in the story, the same area of your brain lights up as if you’re doing what the protagonist is doing.”
This explains why despite having nothing in common with veteran David Budd in bodyguardI cried with relief when he finally found treatment for his PTSD.
“We are influenced by stories every minute of the day, and we are almost always unaware of it,” says Cron.
As a result, we can uncover our hidden emotions and desires and learn unexpected lessons when we allow ourselves to watch a movie we love. For example, I have long known that in every Korean drama or movie, there is always a struggle between those who have and those who have not. think about Parasite, Crash Landing on You, and Itaewon rank. It’s a national obsession. But lately I’ve noticed that even when I watch American movies and series, I’m still drawn to the depictions of class struggle, even when it’s not the focus of the story, as in Gilmore girl, White Lotus, or Pull out the knife. As a result, I began to become more aware of how I viewed and related to people I considered richer or poorer than myself.
Meanwhile, one customer is beginning to understand why she finds predictable romantic comedies so relaxing and engaging. After spending the day mediating conflict between the warring parties at work, she appreciates not only the happy endings but all the loose ends that are tightened. Now, instead of being embarrassed by what she’s watching, she allows herself to enjoy the evening and nourish herself rather than going to bed disappointed and exhausted.
How to make the most of your binge-watching
It’s easy to get started.
First, make a simple record of what you watched. Record the date, title, and possibly episode number. If you have more time, add some notes to remind you of what you saw.
Another way to start with this exercise is to start a list of shows that you remember enjoying in the past.
Then, then, maybe the next morning, take a moment to answer a few questions:
- Which part, if any, do you like best?
- What, if anything, caught your attention or curiosity?
- When do you feel any strong emotions? (This was suggested by Storr.)
Keep your answers short to make this easy. You may find that you want to record other information that is relevant to you. For example, if you find yourself enjoying watching cooking shows, you might want to jot down a technique you’d like to try. You may also want to start a separate list of titles you want to watch next.
After a few weeks or so, take a moment to look back at what you’ve captured. Search for topics and through lines. Then discover ways to go deeper. For example, you may find that you want to do some research on the main character or actor, on different ways to tell similar stories, or more on the subject.
