Why we enjoy watching others fight, according to science
November 10, 2024
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behind this both psychologically and biologically There are a few reasons. In fact, people with certain personality traits enjoy watching martial arts There is even The first reason
behind this both psychologically and biologically There are a few reasons.
In fact, people with certain personality traits enjoy watching martial arts There is even
The first reason for this is based on evolutionary roots.
Throughout history, humans have lived in communities and had to observe the behavior of other individuals to survive. Monitoring social interactions, It has helped individuals understand which behaviors are acceptable and which carry risks.
Watching a fight can also be an extension of this instinct; the person watching strategies and responses observes and learns.
Who watches the fights the most?
A survey was conducted among hundreds of students at Indiana University, Bloomington. Those who enjoy watching mixed martial arts more, those who love the feeling of fear and People who seek more risk That turned out to be the case.
However, let us point out one detail here. survey respondents It wasn’t the violence that caught his attention. It was about drama. While fighters and boxers put their bodies and lives on the line, the most they have to lose is their pride, and the public watches the fight for the high drama that comes with it. finds it more exciting.
Another important point is the role of the chemical dopamine in this process.
Dopamine is associated with the reward center in the brain and is often released during pleasurable experiences. Seeing others in conflict, It can activate our brain’s reward system and create a kind of excitement or sense of satisfaction. This seems to be a similar reaction felt across a broad spectrum, from action movies to competitive sporting events.
Empathy and moral judgments also come into play when you see others fighting.
Social psychologist Albert Bandura, He states that people take sides when they see a conflict and respond according to their own ethical values. This causes the viewer to evaluate events through a moral framework and make their own instinctive judgments about right or wrong. In this way, viewers indirectly test both their own social status and their ecological relationships.
Research adds a more specific dimension to this situation and also suggests that conflict scenes depicted in the media can lead to violent behavior in real life. Bandura for example “Social Learning Theory” This kind of observational learning especially in children, He states that it can increase aggressive behavior.
In short, enjoy watching others fight A complex human response. While this may seem like a troubling curiosity, throughout history people have had the opportunity to socialize, learn, and question their moral stance by engaging in viewing conflict.
Sources: Science Focus, Dergi Park, PubMed, News Medical, Medium
Ashley Johnson is a science writer for “Div Bracket”. With a background in the natural sciences and a passion for exploring the mysteries of the universe, she provides in-depth coverage of the latest scientific developments.