Why Stories Stick with Us: How Our Brains Process Narratives to Shape Culture and Perception

Have you ever wondered why cultures scattered across the world have a flood story? How the brain recognizes patterns from episode to episode of your favorite comfort watch? What makes the power of story universal and undeniable? In this dynamic lecture, we will explore the fascinating intersection of psychology, neuroscience, storytelling, and culture. We'll discuss how our brains are naturally predisposed to follow stories including how narrative elements engage areas of the brain involved in empathy, emotion regulation, and decision-making. We will also look at how storytelling can influence perception on both individual and societal levels.

Throughout the lecture, we will examine case studies from different forms of media, including literature, film, and news to illustrate how stories serve as vehicles for conveying cultural values, societal norms, and ideologies. By the end of this session, you will have a deeper understanding of how the narratives we consume simultaneously reflect and…