The Story Delivery System
Elaine Reese · Oxford University Press eBooks · 2024
Abstract Do stories from books, TV/movies, video games, and real life differ in their benefits for learning, social understanding, and well-being? Empirical research so far does not show strong differences by media platform, and different story forms activate the default network in similar ways. However, fictional media has not yet been compared to real-life stories. Both audiobooks and virtual reality technology are promising and increasingly popular ways to experience stories, particularly for people who have dyslexia, autism, or poor mental imagery skills. Rereading and rewatching stories can deepen learning and enhance well-being for most children and for some adults. Mental imagery promotes immersion into stories, which leads to greater benefits from stories across platforms. Mental imagery can be fostered through remembering and imagining events at all ages. The best story delivery system is likely to differ for individuals and across the lifespan.