If you’ve trained with me or studied with me virtually, you are aware that I frequently use science fiction movies and books to support my arguments in the classroom or in a clinical setting, and I do it for a variety of reasons. I wanted to elaborate on that a little bit today and discuss how reading science fiction might benefit your mental health and general wellbeing.
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Science fiction can include things like light sabres, time machines, ultra quick space travel, aliens, and spacecraft. To put it simply, science fiction encompasses all forms of fiction that deal with science, extraterrestrial life, or other universes. It’s crucial to remember that science fiction and fantasy literature are frequently conflated. Some examples of science fiction include the popular series Harry Potter and my favorite Lord of the Rings, which are not based in a futuristic world or on the possibility of science fiction, but science fiction would include Star Wars, which is set in a different galaxy and involves spaceships to explore an alternate world. Some people consider science fiction to be frivolous and foolish since it mostly relies on fantastical situations and vivid imaginations, yet most well-written science fiction says more than meets the eye. Science fiction satisfies our innate need to comprehend the uncharted and conjure up the unthinkable. This gives us room to receive the things that are outside of ourselves, which fundamentally broadens our horizons as individuals and has significant positive psychological effects.
1. Enhanced Curiosity And Imagination
Fiction allows us to transcend ordinary reality and broadens our imagination. Fictional science elevates it to a new plane. By constructing a different reality and envisioning potential futures, the author or filmmaker provides the audience with a language that allows them to understand beyond what is immediately apparent. It makes a strong emotional pull. This enables the viewer/reader to think outside of the box and challenge their own boundaries. Science fiction opens doors for people with big imaginations to do amazing things. Additionally, it increases your cognitive flexibility since it enables you to accept opinions that differ from your own and to view things from other angles as your brain becomes accustomed to accepting unusual and out-of-the-box thoughts.
2. Environmental and Social Commentary
Science fiction frequently explores how science and technology affect the natural environment. Reading science fiction and discussing it critically may raise awareness of how technology is affecting the world and increase our awareness of our surroundings. Fiction has the ability to provide us with dystopian images of what the world will look like if we continue to abuse nature, thus these stories may serve as crucial warning tales.
3. Diversion
Science fiction may be a powerful tool for fostering social consciousness in readers and viewers, but it can also be a means of escape and catharsis. Reading about characters boarding spacecrafts to travel across time while discovering other countries. These stories are quite different from the readers’ or viewers’ actual world, yet they may nonetheless provide a peculiar sense of comfort. Science fiction, however, also inspires awe and amazement. When I first started reading Iain M. Banks’ Culture series of novels, I remember being completely mesmerized by the descriptions of the enormous vessels that were traveling light years into space and had their own intelligence.
4. A heightened interest in science
Studies reveal that readers of science fiction, particularly young readers, are typically motivated to be interested in science in general. Children who read science fiction are drawn into the fascinating realm of science, even though science classes may seem dry and uninteresting to them. When it comes to educating kids about science through fiction, this may be quite beneficial. When science fiction provides an element of wonder, it makes it far easier to raise social and environmental consciousness in youngsters than it would be if regulations were explained to them orally. These days, it’s critical that our kids understand that there are equally engaging worlds outside of social media and video games, which may help them develop their creative faculties.
5. Reduced Anxiety Levels
Science fiction has been shown by experts to alleviate anxiety and existential dread. These stories’ excitement and intricacy provide individuals a feeling of direction and significance while assisting them in navigating their own complicated lives. Exhaling and losing yourself in the highs and lows of a tale that doesn’t concern you produces feel-good hormones that raise your spirits as you watch the characters overcome obstacles in the novel or film and emerge triumphant. Many science fiction works also address existential issues, such as the end of the planet or a food crisis. Unknowingly, these topics often contribute to our feelings of anxiety. Science fiction, which depicts a futuristic world, essentially reflects how far humanity has come and the kinds of scientific advancements we are capable of. It also helps us find answers to the questions we have been unable to answer for ourselves and teaches us to live with the uncertainty that goes along with it. These books and films give voice to our suppressed fears and questions in an entertaining and engaging way.
6. A feeling of belonging
The genre of science fiction is highly regarded by its devotees. Science fiction fans are frequently ardent devotees who organize themed parties, engage in never-ending debates, attend events with other enthusiasts, and offer insightful commentary on these works of fiction. Numerous works of literature also give rise to various fan theories, which people frequently find interesting to discuss and work through. This literary genre is so gripping and fascinating that it arouses a certain type of passion in readers, fostering a sense of community among all of its devotees as they connect over a shared love of a character or scene! Science fiction characters are the only subject of fan and bot accounts that answer questions and allay fears. For example, a smart and strong figure would frequently manage anonymous accounts where they offer free counsel and assistance to people all over the world. A different universe filled with characters and conversation may give individuals the strength to navigate real life, and fiction and literature can actually offer purpose to people’s lives. These sentiments of community are further enhanced when people share these experiences with others and come to realize that there are other people in the world who feel the same way. mystical, yes?
7. Rekindled Hope
As I mentioned before, science fiction may serve as a warning since it can highlight the negative effects of scientific advancements on society and encourage readers to exercise greater caution when interacting with the natural environment. This kind of science fiction is sometimes referred to as dystopian literature since the author or director depicts an entirely depressing and destroyed world, making us more cautious about what we do. Conversely, science fiction has the ability to provide the reader or spectator an idealized reality. This may be an attempt to illustrate what the world may look like if everyone contributed in a constructive way. This might be expressed via the triumph of good over evil and the rise of heroic figures. People who regularly engage with this sort of information are filled with hope, optimism, and the conviction that, even in the absence of a utopian society, they can still effect positive change and see it spread.
8. Resilience on the psychological level
Science fiction, in contrast to, say, romance or fantasy literature, frequently centers on heroic and emotionally stable individuals. These characters frequently face concepts that are larger than life and overcome hardship by using their creativity and persistent hard work. These traits have the potential to integrate into our psychological makeup. Even if we might not grow up to be the next Star Wars hero, these characters still influence us in a good way. We do unconsciously absorb their moral character and perseverance in trying times. Having words and role models to aspire to increases our optimism and transforms our perspective on the world, making us more resilient and courageous individuals.
9. Increasing Compassion
Science fiction, like other literature, helps us relate to and comprehend the lives of those who live elsewhere. However, science fiction also serves a somewhat different purpose in that it allows us to identify with individuals and sub-realities that are unrelated to ourselves. For example, when you see a movie about aliens, you realize that they are weird-looking animals that we don’t share anything in common with. They are frequently humorous, so at first glance one would not identify them with any profound meaning. But the power of words and writing allows us to connect with them, understanding and empathising with things we cannot even begin to comprehend. This is an important activity to help children develop empathy because, when they observe various creatures and put themselves in their shoes, their parents may use the same reasoning to encourage them to apply it to other kids in the neighborhood who they might not get along with and pick fights with. The deep curiosity these animals and fantastical settings arouse in children might serve as further motivation to behave in a kind and considerate manner.
10. Joy And Laughter
And lastly, science fiction is just plain enjoyable. It’s underestimated how much fun it can be to just be transported to a distant place by a book or movie that stirs up a lot of emotions in you. Therefore, one of science fiction’s greatest psychological benefits is the simple fact that it may amuse, laugh, and touch us all at the same time. Many other types of literature, particularly romantic fiction, have the potential to create unrealistic expectations of love and beauty; science fiction, on the other hand, does not by nature create these kinds of expectations or standards. It frequently provides you a disclaimer that whatever you are going to eat is removed from reality—and that’s the fun part! It is frequently so fantastical and out of touch with reality!