Story Telling Effects
The art of telling stories has an amazing ability to influence or even control people. A TEDx speech, “The Magical Science of Story Telling”, by David JP Phillips, explains how a well-told story can create the desired neurotransmitters in the brains of listeners. David demonstrates cause and effect relationships.
--- Suspense and cliffhanger stories cause dopamine in the brain, which leads to mental focus, motivation and better memory.
--- Sad and personal struggle stories cause oxytocin in the brain, which leads to empathy, generosity, trust, and bonding.
--- Funny stories cause endorphins in the brain, which leads to creativity, relaxation, and focus.
But, on the other hand…
--- Scary, anxious, etc. stories cause cortizol and adrenaline in the brain, which lead to intolerance, irritability, memory impairment, and bad decisions.
It seems to me that our entertainment, music, and activities could have the same effect. Dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins (corresponding to an abundance mentality and prosperity) may not be as exciting as cortizol and adrenaline, but they are what society needs---NOW. Fear, anger, and selfishness, etc., are examples of a scarcity mentality, and can never produce peace. It’s time to stop fighting, and instead, be focused, generous, and creative.
--- Suspense and cliffhanger stories cause dopamine in the brain, which leads to mental focus, motivation and better memory.
--- Sad and personal struggle stories cause oxytocin in the brain, which leads to empathy, generosity, trust, and bonding.
--- Funny stories cause endorphins in the brain, which leads to creativity, relaxation, and focus.
But, on the other hand…
--- Scary, anxious, etc. stories cause cortizol and adrenaline in the brain, which lead to intolerance, irritability, memory impairment, and bad decisions.
It seems to me that our entertainment, music, and activities could have the same effect. Dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins (corresponding to an abundance mentality and prosperity) may not be as exciting as cortizol and adrenaline, but they are what society needs---NOW. Fear, anger, and selfishness, etc., are examples of a scarcity mentality, and can never produce peace. It’s time to stop fighting, and instead, be focused, generous, and creative.