Apr 23, 2020 09:00:00

Psychologist talks about 'how to ease loneliness without going out'

To prevent the spread of the new coronavirus,

many people refrain from going out and live in a homely environment. Elaine Reith, a professor of psychology at the University of Otago in New Zealand, said that as a way to soften loneliness even when there are few opportunities to go out and meet people, `` become friends with fictional characters in the story '' Thing ”.

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The tendency of humans to touch the story of fiction and immerse themselves in a fictional world begins when they start playing imitation and pretend play in childhood. It is said that one in two children will make fictitious friends in their heads. Especially children before entering elementary school feel attachment and friendship to the characters that appear in their favorite anime and books, and I believe that the characters also feel attachment and friendship to themselves.

As we grow older and get closer to adults, children find that the characters that appear in anime, manga, picture books, and novels don't really exist. But Reese said, 'People can't give up their friendship and affection for a character, even if they know that fact.'

There are survey results that show that the attachment and friendship you have for a fictional character

is similar to the emotion you have for real human relationships . Having similar feelings for humans and fictional characters is something that adults as well as children experience. 'It's not necessarily a sign that adults have lost sight of reality,' said Reese, who does not deny that adults have emotions about fictional characters.

“The love and friendship of a fictional character is a sign of happiness, not lack of sociality,” said Reese.

In addition, just as real friendships are good for humans, fictitious friendships have been shown to be good for humans. For example, studies have reported that children with fictitious friends in their heads have a higher level of

creativity and empathy than children without fictitious friends.

Moreover, with the new coronavirus measures being required to refrain from going out unnecessarily and urgently, 'people need more fictitious friends than ever,' said Reese. Even if you go out for a walk or go to a supermarket, it can be purposely avoided by someone. Even if we understand that social distances are encouraged, such a reaction makes us feel rejected by someone. At that time, dealing with familiar characters on TV and books is 'one way to relieve loneliness and reconnect with people. A friendship with a fictional character is when you feel depressed. But it has the effect of raising the mood, 'said Reese.

Fictitious friends not only eliminate loneliness, but also strengthen real-life relationships. Reese explains how to deal with fictitious friends, “Why don't you spend some time relaxing with your comfortable clothes and playing with your fictitious friends? If you have a family or a cohabitant, read the same book together. Read them, watch anime and dramas, and talk about which character you like best and deepen your bond. '