What I Should Say: How Video Affects Our Thinking

Abstract

This paper reviews the potential effect that consuming digital video content can have on our conscious and subconscious minds. Consuming narrative digital video content such as feature films, short films, series, or experimental video attracts us through emotionally relatable themes. Knowing this, we can explore how susceptible individuals are to be mentally influenced by what they see on screen. Throughout the text, different genres of digital video are discussed and analyzed how audiences can relate to what they are seeing on screen. One of the heaviest weighted factors that allows us to be affected is emotional relatability (Matthews, 2013). When we connect with what a character is going through we are forced to self reflect on what we are going through. Additionally, the text considers different methods of consumption such as episodic and binging. Both positive and negative aspects are considered within the research of how consuming digital can affect us. It is hoped that this analysis of the mental effect that digital video has on us is predominately positive. There are certain factors to consider when weighing how beneficial it can be to our society. Finally, this research and analysis is discussed in contribution with how it affected the production of my senior project.