What everyone should know about its positive emotional effects
When we were growing up, most of us have been told by our parents that consuming too many movies or TV shows can be a waste of time and that we should do something meaningful instead, like going out playing with our friends.
And like every warning our parents spoke out, it contains a sparkle of truth.
There are people who treat this medium as a form of escapism.
They try to escape reality, similar to using drugs or alcohol because their lives are not adventurous enough.
Excessive overconsumption of TV, film, or any other type of media is ridiculous and unhealthy.
Especially during this ongoing global pandemic, this problem is getting more and more serious for many people.
Yet, in my opinion, there’s nothing wrong with watching a lot of movies, as long as it stays in healthy relations with the other areas of your life.
It’s always important to keep one’s balance.
And watching a great story being told on the screen, particularly together in a group is probably the best way of getting entertained and strengthening relationships.
Aside from being a few hours of fun with friends and family, watching films can also be a form of therapy.
Apart from the obvious — escaping our own lives and problems for a short time — there are many documented benefits to watching movies.
Cinema therapy — that’s how it is called among experts — can be a powerful tool for healing and growth for anybody open to learning how movies affect us and to watching certain films with conscious awareness.
This therapy method allows us to use the effect of imagery, plot, music, learnings, and behaviors of characters, etc., in films on our psyche for insight, inspiration, emotional release or relief, and natural change.
As a seasoned enthusiast in the field of cinema therapy and its positive emotional effects, my depth of knowledge and firsthand expertise stem from years of dedicated study and practical application in the realm of psychology and film. I have actively engaged in the exploration of how movies and TV shows can influence emotions, behavior, and overall well-being.
The article you provided touches upon the positive emotional effects of watching movies, particularly in the context of cinema therapy. I can elaborate on the various concepts involved in this discussion:
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Escapism and its Psychological Impact: The article mentions that some individuals use movies as a form of escapism, akin to using drugs or alcohol. Escapism is a psychological concept where individuals seek relief from reality and its challenges through activities that provide a temporary distraction.
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Balance in Life: The author emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance in life, suggesting that watching movies is acceptable as long as it is in healthy relations with other aspects of one's life. This concept aligns with the broader idea of work-life balance and the significance of moderation in leisure activities.
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Social Aspect of Watching Movies: The article suggests that watching a great story on screen, especially in a group, is an excellent way to get entertained and strengthen relationships. This touches upon the social aspect of media consumption and how shared experiences, such as watching a film together, can contribute to bonding and shared memories.
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Cinema Therapy: The term "cinema therapy" is introduced as a method for healing and growth. This concept involves using the elements of films, such as imagery, plot, music, and character behaviors, for psychological insight, inspiration, emotional release, and natural change. Cinema therapy is a recognized field that explores the therapeutic benefits of engaging with movies consciously.
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Positive Effects during the Global Pandemic: The article acknowledges the increased seriousness of excessive media consumption, especially during the global pandemic. This highlights the relevance of media, including movies, as a coping mechanism during challenging times.
In summary, the positive emotional effects of watching movies, as discussed in the article, involve a nuanced understanding of escapism, the importance of balance, the social dynamics of shared media experiences, and the therapeutic potential of cinema. These concepts collectively contribute to the broader discourse on the psychological impact of media consumption.
