Fictional+Death+vs.+Real+Death

Why do people care more about fictional deaths than the deaths of real people in other countries? We see and read about the news on a daily basis, yet we have become numb to the fact that those deaths are real people with real lives and real families. We never stop to think how this could affect us because the deaths happening in other countries are too far away for us to care about.

This image was taken in Congo during the events leading up to the presidential election This massacre in the Democratic Republic of Congo on March 2011 killed seven people and injured over one hundred people yet this brutal massacre did not even make the news. This brings to light how little tragic events in underdeveloped countries are being broadcast. The revolution in Egypt and the war in Libya made world news though. This just proves the point that there are many tragedies happening all around the world, but only the wealthiest countries are getting coverage on them. Read more about this massacre [|here] 

We are greatly affected by the deaths of fictional characters from movies to television shows to video games. There may be a reason behind why we care more and feel more strongly about the deaths of characters in our favorite television shows and movies instead of people dying overseas. This has to do with the theory of [|cognitive theory] which is a theory that rationalizes the feelings humans have about fictional deaths. Cognitive thinking happens within the brain and it helps us discern the difference between fiction and reality. If a tragic event occurred whether in reality or in a fictional setting, the cognitive theory states that it would be challenging for us to separate a fictional experience from an everyday life event. This is why when our favorite character dies in //Games of Thrones// or in //the Hunger Games// we care so much because we have developed a relationship with the characters and they become a part of our lives.



Video on Cognitive Thinking
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Video on why we care so deeply about fictional characters in video games
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Video games are an important part of the society we live in today because video games have become more widely used over the past couple of years. There are many theories surrounding why video games have become as popular as they have recently. Interactive storytelling is a crucial element to the popularity of video games. Interactive storytelling allows for the player to interact with a story line yet depending on what actions the player makes will determine which story line the player will follow. This creates a more personalized experience for video gamers because it shapes the game depending on what kind of person you are. With the use of interactive storytelling, the players get to develop a deeper connection with their online character which may explain why people care more about their character dying than real people in other countries. Examples of Video Games with Interactive Storytelling: ||= ||=  || Other Links Related To This Page:
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 * Death in Fiction
 * Death in Fiction vs. Reality
 * Death in Media