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Using imaginary worlds for real social benefits

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 November 2022

Shira Gabriel Open the ORCID record for Shira Gabriel [Opens in a new window] ,
Melanie C. Green ,
Esha Naidu  and
Elaine Paravati
Shira Gabriel
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo (SUNY), Buffalo, NY 14260, USA sgabriel@buffalo.edu mcgreen2@buffalo.edu eshanaid@buffalo.edu https://arts-sciences.buffalo.edu/psychology/faculty/faculty-directory/gabriel.html www.buffalo.edu/cas/communication/faculty/green.html
Melanie C. Green
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo (SUNY), Buffalo, NY 14260, USA sgabriel@buffalo.edu mcgreen2@buffalo.edu eshanaid@buffalo.edu https://arts-sciences.buffalo.edu/psychology/faculty/faculty-directory/gabriel.html www.buffalo.edu/cas/communication/faculty/green.html
Esha Naidu
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo (SUNY), Buffalo, NY 14260, USA sgabriel@buffalo.edu mcgreen2@buffalo.edu eshanaid@buffalo.edu https://arts-sciences.buffalo.edu/psychology/faculty/faculty-directory/gabriel.html www.buffalo.edu/cas/communication/faculty/green.html
Elaine Paravati
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Hamilton College, Clinton, NY 13323, USA eharriga@hamilton.edu
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Abstract

We argue that imaginary worlds gain much of their appeal because they fulfill the fundamental need of human beings to feel connected to other humans. Immersion into story worlds provides a sense of social connection to the characters and groups represented in the world. By fulfilling the need to belong, imaginary worlds provide a buffer against rejection and loneliness.

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Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 45 , 2022 , e283
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Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press

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