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Highlights: #208 – Elizabeth Cox on the case that TV shows, movies, and novels can improve the world
Dec 5, 2024
Elizabeth Cox, founder of Should We Studio, argues that storytelling can change the world. She shares empirical evidence on how narratives shape societal issues like mental health and climate change. Cox also discusses the challenge of engaging audiences with complex themes and the importance of prioritizing universal truths in storytelling. Additionally, she explores the potential of animation and the impact of AI on creative writing, debating the future of human artistry in a tech-driven landscape.
29:15
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Quick takeaways
- Storytelling significantly shapes societal perceptions, as evidenced by the mere exposure effect which can humanize complex issues like mental illness.
- Impactful storytelling must balance universal themes with audience expectations to avoid alienating viewers while conveying clear messages.
Deep dives
The Power of Storytelling in Shaping Perceptions
Storytelling has a significant impact on shaping societal perceptions, particularly through the psychological phenomenon known as the mere exposure effect. This effect suggests that repeated exposure to certain portrayals can positively influence people's attitudes towards them. For instance, accurate and humanizing depictions of mental illness in media can shift public perceptions away from stigmatization. Similarly, films that portray stalking and emotionally abusive behaviors as negative can enhance real-life understanding and perceptions of these issues.
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