Tell a story' effect
Stories are dubious entities.
They simplify and distort reality and try to filter out certain things that don't fit in the story.
Take the case of media, the 'Tell a story' effect rages like a wildfire.
Example- an under-construction bridge collapsed at midnight and 2 labors lost their lives, 3 got injured.
What we read the next day?
We hear the story of two unlucky laborers, where they came from, where they were going, why they took shelter below under-construction bridge etc.
We read a complete biography of them.
Also about the injured one, how magically they escape from a sure shot death etc.
If possible, the media will print one to one interviews of survivors.
In this entire story, we missed the important aspect of why the bridge collapsed, whether due to the weak section, due to fatigue or any design flaws?
It is likely, media will investigate the past history of bridge contractor, how corrupt he is, how many bridges he has constructed, and if previously similar mishap has occurred, etc..
This is because the stories attract us. That is why the entertainment side of the incident is prioritized over relevant facts.
Advertisers have learned to take advantage of this 'Tell a story' effect. Instead of focussing on item' benefits, they create a story around it.
Surprisingly, the narrative is irrelevant sometimes but we find them irresistible.
Stories are dubious entities.
They simplify and distort reality and try to filter out certain things that don't fit in the story.
Take the case of media, the 'Tell a story' effect rages like a wildfire.
Example- an under-construction bridge collapsed at midnight and 2 labors lost their lives, 3 got injured.
What we read the next day?
We hear the story of two unlucky laborers, where they came from, where they were going, why they took shelter below under-construction bridge etc.
We read a complete biography of them.
Also about the injured one, how magically they escape from a sure shot death etc.
If possible, the media will print one to one interviews of survivors.
In this entire story, we missed the important aspect of why the bridge collapsed, whether due to the weak section, due to fatigue or any design flaws?
It is likely, media will investigate the past history of bridge contractor, how corrupt he is, how many bridges he has constructed, and if previously similar mishap has occurred, etc..
This is because the stories attract us. That is why the entertainment side of the incident is prioritized over relevant facts.
Advertisers have learned to take advantage of this 'Tell a story' effect. Instead of focussing on item' benefits, they create a story around it.
Surprisingly, the narrative is irrelevant sometimes but we find them irresistible.
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