The Phenomenon of Feeling Like a Movie or TV Show Character

Have you ever wondered why you start thinking you look or even behave like your favorite movie or TV show characters after watching them? This intriguing phenomenon is experienced by many, but not everyone understands why it happens. Let's explore the underlying reasons for this feeling.

Personal Experiences and Reactions

Many individuals share personal experiences with this feeling, often starting from a young age. For example, the narrator mentions that they have felt this way since their teenage years, and even years later, they asked friends whether they experienced the same phenomenon. No one could relate, leading them to search for answers online.

“I’ve felt exactly this ever since I was a young teenager and started streaming TV shows!! I’d get this feeling for a while after bingeing a show. Years later in my 20s, I randomly asked my friends if they get this feeling and none of them could relate.”

Different Perspectives on the Phenomenon

While some feel this sensation strongly, others have different reactions. For instance, one individual mentions that they would cry or be emotionally moved, but it wouldn't make them mimic or think they look like the characters. They also share an interesting connection with and her videos.

“I may cry or something but I just watch to see what happens in the story. I don’t tie any of it to putting myself in their place. I’m also on the autism spectrum.”

Another person finds this experience fascinating and relatable, especially when watching 's videos. They mention that they start behaving and talking in the same way, enjoying the emotional impact.

“God bless you. Quite interesting question! It happens to me, too. When I watch Priyanka Chopra's shorts, I immediately start behaving and talking in that way, and I love it, I enjoy it.”

Psychological Interpretations

Several psychological perspectives have been proposed to explain why people might feel like the characters they watch. One interpretation is that it could be a self-improvement mechanism. According to the narrator, some may use characters to replace traits they dislike about themselves with desirable traits.

“It's not for me. I may cry or something but I just watch to see what happens in the story. I don’t tie any of it to putting myself in their place. I’m also on the autism spectrum.”

Another perspective suggests that this feeling could stem from an emotional connection and empathy. When watching characters with strong emotions, people's minds are influenced, making them start to perceive the characters as part of themselves.

“Somehow you look at these characters and pick out traits you like from them to replace the traits you don’t like about yourself. That could be why.”

Shared Experiences and Normalcy

It appears that many people experience these feelings occasionally but to varying degrees. One person mentions that while they have felt this way, it's not a frequent occurrence for them. They also note that not everyone shares this experience, leading to an interesting conversation about normativity.

“You arent comfortable with yourself. Somehow you look at these characters and pick out trait you like from them to replace the traits you dont like about yourself. That could be why.”

Finally, another person posits that it might not be normal to think about feeling like a character all the time. They suggest that if it causes discomfort or concern, it might be a sign of something else, such as an attempt to hide from something or relate strongly to a specific character.

“I don’t think it’s normal but the more important question is whether it feels uncomfortable or if you are concerned about it. It could be that you unconsciously want to hide from something, the present an incident, a current situation, etc. so you stay somewhere where it can’t affect you. Or you can just relate strongly to that character if it is a specific one.”

Conclusion

This phenomenon appears to be a mix of emotional connection, psychological comfort, and even a subtle form of self-improvement. Whether it’s normal or not, it’s comforting to know that many people share this experience, and it can bring a sense of joy and connection to those who watch and identify with their favorite characters.

Whatever your experience, it’s important to enjoy what you watch and understand that this feeling can be both entertaining and emotionally fulfilling.

Enjoy whatever you watch. Best of luck.