Absolutely true, of video games and books as well. Stories teach us empathy, especially when we are the ones making the decisions (as in video games) or when we are completely immersed in the stuff of the story (as in books).
I'd say movies and TV shows can't have the same effect, because the audience is always aware of the actors behind the characters. In video games, we ARE the actors behind the characters! And in books, there are no actors at all!
I read a lot of sci-fi growing up, and I credit it with helping me develop a lot of mental flexibility. The range of possibilities is always broader than you think, and having your mind repeatedly and thoroughly blown by fiction is a good way to teach you that.
Absolutely true, of video games and books as well. Stories teach us empathy, especially when we are the ones making the decisions (as in video games) or when we are completely immersed in the stuff of the story (as in books).
I'd say movies and TV shows can't have the same effect, because the audience is always aware of the actors behind the characters. In video games, we ARE the actors behind the characters! And in books, there are no actors at all!
I read a lot of sci-fi growing up, and I credit it with helping me develop a lot of mental flexibility. The range of possibilities is always broader than you think, and having your mind repeatedly and thoroughly blown by fiction is a good way to teach you that.