How Movies Trick Your Mind

When the characters feel something, so do we. Here's why.

Post published by Susan K Perry Ph.D. on Mar 27, 2015 in Creating in Flow

 In my home, we sometimes find ourselves enjoying a movie that’s not much more than an engaging time-waster. At those times, if we haven’t the oomph to switch to something else, we just settle in and enjoy what we think of as a "brain-dead" movie.
But our brains are most certainly not “dead” when they watch a movie. In fact, a surprising amount of activity is going on—most of which we’re not aware.
Wouldn’t it be interesting to know what’s happening in our brains when we stare at lights on a screen and have what feel like real experiences?
That activity is described in fascinating detail in Flicker: Your Brain on Movies (link is external), by Jeffrey M. Zacks, a professor of psychology and radiology at Washington University in St. Louis. 
First of all, how do we understand a story? Zacks proposes that understanding occurs because we construct models of the story’s events. “An event model,” he writes, “is representation in your head that corresponds systematically to the situation in the story.” Such a model needn’t be perfect to work. We've developed the ability—the neural architecture—to form such models because it helps us deal with the real world.
But how is it that we feel real emotion when watching a made-up movie?
One reason is that we tend to mimic emotions shown by others, including actors. Then we prepare our bodies to respond appropriately to the situation—say, fight or flight.
The most interesting theory described by Zacks explains why seeing emotion expressed on a screen leads to us actually feeling that emotion. It’s not a new theory: “Posing your face into a frown or smile doesn’t just affect your subjective experience,” he explains. "It also affects your brain’s response.”
Elsewhere in the book, we learn more about the tricks that make movies work. Indeed, several “tricks” fool our movie-watching brains. For instance, how do our brains make sense of film cuts (actually splices)? Our brains are used to being briefly deprived of visual input when we blink or look around (when you move your eyes, there are very brief episodes of not seeing anything). So cuts in a movie’s action are experienced by our brains as like reality itself.
And how do most of us, most of the time, miss so many continuity errors in films? Experiments have demonstrated a phenomenon called "change blindness." To explain: Our vision is not persistent. “Visual persistence hangs on for only a fraction of a second,” explains Zacks, “and it is completely wiped out when new objects overlap where the old objects used to be.”

Remember when you first started your career? Hopefully they are happy memories filled with the promise of a long fulfilling future.
But how do you feel about your career today? If the love is a distant memory it may be time to take a little action.
Is it time to break up? Here are six signs that you need to think about it seriously.
1. You dread going to work
Work dread often kicks in about 6pm on a Sunday. The weekend is not actually over but rather than enjoying a relaxing evening your mind is already twisting and turning about the work week starting again. Bad sign.
2. You are always complaining
This one could sting but the best way to get an honest gauge on it is to ask your nearest and dearest if you are driving them mad with complaints. If your work dialogue has become a big, long whinge they are going to be more than happy to fill you in on the change of tone.
READ MORE: How to fall in love with your job
3. You regularly make mistakes
Mistakes, particularly small mistakes, are a red flashing light that your mind is wandering. Have a think back over the last few months. How many times did you have a mistake pointed out that you were amazed you even made in the first place? If it happens regularly it may be that your mind is drifting a little more than is healthy in a happy career.
4. Your confidence is dipping
Confidence is such an important aspect of our lives and just like in personal relationships, when our career confidence starts looking patchy, the damage can be long term. Do you find yourself asking people to check things that previously you wouldn’t have hesitated about? And are you avoiding new tasks and projects because you are worried about the outcomes? These are signs that your confidence is battered. Don’t ignore them!
5. You’re watching the clock
This one is a no brainer. If you’ve never known what it’s like to suddenly realise it’s the end of the day and you have no idea where the hours went, then you should consider searching for a career that is more fulfilling. You deserve it.
6. Every day feels the same
Let’s face it. There are not enough surprises in life and some jobs are frankly repetitive. But when you really have no reaction to the little things that do change, you’ve got a stale job on your hands. Time to add some colour to your career.
READ MORE: Signs your dream job could be a nightmare
You’ve seen the signs, now is it time for a break up? Tell us what you’re going to do next in the comments!
Don’t forget:
- Sunday evening work dread is a sure sign you’re ready for a change
- Catch yourself complaining about the office too much? Stop complaining and start searching.
- Do you slap your head over silly mistakes? If there is no personal reason for your distraction, take it as a sign your heart is no longer in it.
- Ever heard of Groundhog Day. It’s the same day over and over again. No one wants to live like that.
Just do it:
What does your dream career look like? Write down a list of the job you’d like to do and the companies you’d like to work for. Then do a little research. Does your dream company have your dream job? Find someone who is doing it right now on LinkedIn and take a look at the experience and education it took to get there, then start planning, step by step, how you can do the same.
- See more at: http://www.thenakedceo.com/career-building-skills/6-signs-it-is-time-to-break-up-with-your-career?utm_source=outbrain&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=If_you_dont_love_your_work_dump_it&utm_campaign=outbrain-june_nzasia#sthash.VJHAWvVZ.dpuf

Remember when you first started your career? Hopefully they are happy memories filled with the promise of a long fulfilling future.
But how do you feel about your career today? If the love is a distant memory it may be time to take a little action.
Is it time to break up? Here are six signs that you need to think about it seriously.
1. You dread going to work
Work dread often kicks in about 6pm on a Sunday. The weekend is not actually over but rather than enjoying a relaxing evening your mind is already twisting and turning about the work week starting again. Bad sign.
2. You are always complaining
This one could sting but the best way to get an honest gauge on it is to ask your nearest and dearest if you are driving them mad with complaints. If your work dialogue has become a big, long whinge they are going to be more than happy to fill you in on the change of tone.
READ MORE: How to fall in love with your job
3. You regularly make mistakes
Mistakes, particularly small mistakes, are a red flashing light that your mind is wandering. Have a think back over the last few months. How many times did you have a mistake pointed out that you were amazed you even made in the first place? If it happens regularly it may be that your mind is drifting a little more than is healthy in a happy career.
4. Your confidence is dipping
Confidence is such an important aspect of our lives and just like in personal relationships, when our career confidence starts looking patchy, the damage can be long term. Do you find yourself asking people to check things that previously you wouldn’t have hesitated about? And are you avoiding new tasks and projects because you are worried about the outcomes? These are signs that your confidence is battered. Don’t ignore them!
5. You’re watching the clock
This one is a no brainer. If you’ve never known what it’s like to suddenly realise it’s the end of the day and you have no idea where the hours went, then you should consider searching for a career that is more fulfilling. You deserve it.
6. Every day feels the same
Let’s face it. There are not enough surprises in life and some jobs are frankly repetitive. But when you really have no reaction to the little things that do change, you’ve got a stale job on your hands. Time to add some colour to your career.
READ MORE: Signs your dream job could be a nightmare
You’ve seen the signs, now is it time for a break up? Tell us what you’re going to do next in the comments!
Don’t forget:
- Sunday evening work dread is a sure sign you’re ready for a change
- Catch yourself complaining about the office too much? Stop complaining and start searching.
- Do you slap your head over silly mistakes? If there is no personal reason for your distraction, take it as a sign your heart is no longer in it.
- Ever heard of Groundhog Day. It’s the same day over and over again. No one wants to live like that.
Just do it:
What does your dream career look like? Write down a list of the job you’d like to do and the companies you’d like to work for. Then do a little research. Does your dream company have your dream job? Find someone who is doing it right now on LinkedIn and take a look at the experience and education it took to get there, then start planning, step by step, how you can do the same.
We add new articles and videos every day. Be the first to hear about it by registering for our newsletter, or following us on LinkedIn,  Facebook or Twitter.
- See more at: http://www.thenakedceo.com/career-building-skills/6-signs-it-is-time-to-break-up-with-your-career?utm_source=outbrain&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=If_you_dont_love_your_work_dump_it&utm_campaign=outbrain-june_nzasia#sthash.VJHAWvVZ.dpuf

Remember when you first started your career? Hopefully they are happy memories filled with the promise of a long fulfilling future.
But how do you feel about your career today? If the love is a distant memory it may be time to take a little action.
Is it time to break up? Here are six signs that you need to think about it seriously.
1. You dread going to work
Work dread often kicks in about 6pm on a Sunday. The weekend is not actually over but rather than enjoying a relaxing evening your mind is already twisting and turning about the work week starting again. Bad sign.
2. You are always complaining
This one could sting but the best way to get an honest gauge on it is to ask your nearest and dearest if you are driving them mad with complaints. If your work dialogue has become a big, long whinge they are going to be more than happy to fill you in on the change of tone.
READ MORE: How to fall in love with your job
3. You regularly make mistakes
Mistakes, particularly small mistakes, are a red flashing light that your mind is wandering. Have a think back over the last few months. How many times did you have a mistake pointed out that you were amazed you even made in the first place? If it happens regularly it may be that your mind is drifting a little more than is healthy in a happy career.
4. Your confidence is dipping
Confidence is such an important aspect of our lives and just like in personal relationships, when our career confidence starts looking patchy, the damage can be long term. Do you find yourself asking people to check things that previously you wouldn’t have hesitated about? And are you avoiding new tasks and projects because you are worried about the outcomes? These are signs that your confidence is battered. Don’t ignore them!
5. You’re watching the clock
This one is a no brainer. If you’ve never known what it’s like to suddenly realise it’s the end of the day and you have no idea where the hours went, then you should consider searching for a career that is more fulfilling. You deserve it.
6. Every day feels the same
Let’s face it. There are not enough surprises in life and some jobs are frankly repetitive. But when you really have no reaction to the little things that do change, you’ve got a stale job on your hands. Time to add some colour to your career.
READ MORE: Signs your dream job could be a nightmare
You’ve seen the signs, now is it time for a break up? Tell us what you’re going to do next in the comments!
Don’t forget:
- Sunday evening work dread is a sure sign you’re ready for a change
- Catch yourself complaining about the office too much? Stop complaining and start searching.
- Do you slap your head over silly mistakes? If there is no personal reason for your distraction, take it as a sign your heart is no longer in it.
- Ever heard of Groundhog Day. It’s the same day over and over again. No one wants to live like that.
Just do it:
What does your dream career look like? Write down a list of the job you’d like to do and the companies you’d like to work for. Then do a little research. Does your dream company have your dream job? Find someone who is doing it right now on LinkedIn and take a look at the experience and education it took to get there, then start planning, step by step, how you can do the same.
We add new articles and videos every day. Be the first to hear about it by registering for our newsletter, or following us on LinkedIn,  Facebook or Twitter.
- See more at: http://www.thenakedceo.com/career-building-skills/6-signs-it-is-time-to-break-up-with-your-career?utm_source=outbrain&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=If_you_dont_love_your_work_dump_it&utm_campaign=outbrain-june_nzasia#sthash.VJHAWvVZ.dpuf

Remember when you first started your career? Hopefully they are happy memories filled with the promise of a long fulfilling future.
But how do you feel about your career today? If the love is a distant memory it may be time to take a little action.
Is it time to break up? Here are six signs that you need to think about it seriously.
1. You dread going to work
Work dread often kicks in about 6pm on a Sunday. The weekend is not actually over but rather than enjoying a relaxing evening your mind is already twisting and turning about the work week starting again. Bad sign.
2. You are always complaining
This one could sting but the best way to get an honest gauge on it is to ask your nearest and dearest if you are driving them mad with complaints. If your work dialogue has become a big, long whinge they are going to be more than happy to fill you in on the change of tone.
READ MORE: How to fall in love with your job
3. You regularly make mistakes
Mistakes, particularly small mistakes, are a red flashing light that your mind is wandering. Have a think back over the last few months. How many times did you have a mistake pointed out that you were amazed you even made in the first place? If it happens regularly it may be that your mind is drifting a little more than is healthy in a happy career.
4. Your confidence is dipping
Confidence is such an important aspect of our lives and just like in personal relationships, when our career confidence starts looking patchy, the damage can be long term. Do you find yourself asking people to check things that previously you wouldn’t have hesitated about? And are you avoiding new tasks and projects because you are worried about the outcomes? These are signs that your confidence is battered. Don’t ignore them!
5. You’re watching the clock
This one is a no brainer. If you’ve never known what it’s like to suddenly realise it’s the end of the day and you have no idea where the hours went, then you should consider searching for a career that is more fulfilling. You deserve it.
6. Every day feels the same
Let’s face it. There are not enough surprises in life and some jobs are frankly repetitive. But when you really have no reaction to the little things that do change, you’ve got a stale job on your hands. Time to add some colour to your career.
READ MORE: Signs your dream job could be a nightmare
You’ve seen the signs, now is it time for a break up? Tell us what you’re going to do next in the comments!
Don’t forget:
- Sunday evening work dread is a sure sign you’re ready for a change
- Catch yourself complaining about the office too much? Stop complaining and start searching.
- Do you slap your head over silly mistakes? If there is no personal reason for your distraction, take it as a sign your heart is no longer in it.
- Ever heard of Groundhog Day. It’s the same day over and over again. No one wants to live like that.
Just do it:
What does your dream career look like? Write down a list of the job you’d like to do and the companies you’d like to work for. Then do a little research. Does your dream company have your dream job? Find someone who is doing it right now on LinkedIn and take a look at the experience and education it took to get there, then start planning, step by step, how you can do the same.
We add new articles and videos every day. Be the first to hear about it by registering for our newsletter, or following us on LinkedIn,  Facebook or Twitter.
- See more at: http://www.thenakedceo.com/career-building-skills/6-signs-it-is-time-to-break-up-with-your-career?utm_source=outbrain&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=If_you_dont_love_your_work_dump_it&utm_campaign=outbrain-june_nzasia#sthash.VJHAWvVZ.dpuf