Making friends with your TV is good for you
Forming an illusionary relationship with characters from TV shows can drive away feelings of loneliness and rejection, it has been found.Psychologists say 'making friends' with the fictional character can give us a real boost, even after being rejected by friends or family members.
Researcher from the University at Buffalo tested 700 to see how feelings of loneliness were impacted by watching TV.
They found that if the viewer felt like they had a personal relationship with people on screen then they could develop a feeling of comfort and belonging.
This means that soaps like EastEnders could make people feel better about their lives ... the researchers have obviously never watched it.
"Turning one's back on family and friends for the solace of television may be maladaptive and leave a person with fewer resources over time," said Dr Jaye Derrick,
"But for those who have difficulty experiencing social interaction because of physical or environmental constraints, technologically induced belongingness may offer comfort."
The team also think that playing video games could have the same impact ... if you feel like you are pals with Mario.
LINKS
University at Buffalo
"But for those who have difficulty experiencing social interaction because of physical or environmental constraints, technologically induced belongingness may offer comfort."
The team also think that playing video games could have the same impact ... if you feel like you are pals with Mario.
LINKS
University at Buffalo
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