You know those people that LOVE all things Disney? Do they really believe in the magic of Disney? If not, why do they seem to act like they do? Let’s take a look at what Psychology has to say about something called the Suspension of Disbelief.
For all of you who thumb your nose at those who embrace the Disney magic, consider the following. You do the same thing every time you watch a tv show. You know that what you’re watching is really just pixels on a screen, but you allow yourself temporarily to believe that the events are actually occurring.
If someone asks you if you realize it’s just a show, you’d say of course you know it’s just a show. However, tell that to your increased heart rate at the peak moment of that thrilling part of the show! Tell that to your vocal cords when you’re yelling at the referee on the tv during the game! Tell that to the tears swelling in your eyes at the conclusion of that sentimental drama!
You’ve just enjoyed what’s called the Suspension of Disbelief. It’s like hitting a temporary pause button on the analytic part of your brain that recognizes the inaccuracy of believing movie special effects. The same thing happens at Disney theme parks!
Why Do We Believe Things We Know Aren’t True?
*Spoiler alert* For the adults visiting Disney World, we’ve got a pretty good sense of how the “magic” is created. Clever lighting, makeup and costumes, and viola! Magic!
Still, have you ever found yourself getting wrapped up in the enchanting fun of your youth, remembering how Mickey Mouse entertained your childhood with fanciful delight?
When you saw him at Disney World, did a little part of you want to run up and give him a Mickey hug?
If so, you’ve allowed yourself a temporary rest from the tiresome analysis of reality and accepted a temporary suspension of your disbelief.
Virtual reality technology and devices have ushered in a whole new era of the Suspension of Disbelief. Although you know you’re wearing, for example, a nice pair of VR goggles, you still “look around” the virtual world in a similar way to reality.
Your brain knows it’s virtual, but allows you to pause that notion for a moment and experience the virtual world.
Other Examples of Suspended Disbelief
This phenomenon occurs for all of us. Again, it’s an adaptive way for our brain to quickly distinguish between reality and fantasy. It’s typically not a conscious decision that we make, but rather one that effortlessly occurs.
In some cases (e.g., if it’s an issue of your physical safety), your brain will snap you out of the suspension of disbelief. For example, our brains are pretty good at deciphering the difference between a video game race and when you’re actually driving a vehicle.
Now, some of us are better at suspending our disbelief than others. When it becomes difficult to distinguish between fantasy and reality, you may want to tap the brakes and think about where you are.
Otherwise, go with the flow and don’t worry about letting your imagination enjoy the Disney moments.
Can you think of any other examples of the Suspension of Disbelief? Comment below with other examples of the Suspension of Disbelief, and remember to sign up for the free Psychology of Travel Newsletter for all the latest updates.
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Happy Travels,
Dr. L
Founder, PsychologyOfTravel.com
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Interesting and insightful. I never realized just how routine suspending disbelief is, but it’s true that most times we watch TV we do so to some extent. And this is more than a pleasant or exciting diversion from our daily life; it can be a deeper learning experience as we fully step into another world by suspending disbelief.
Thank you!