From the amputation of an arm in the movie "127 Hours" to the removal of a fingernail in "Black Swan," graphic cinematic scenes have always provoked strong sensory reactions in viewers, and scientists are now understanding the reasons for this more clearly.
The study shows that the brain doesn't just see what's happening on a screen, but also internally simulates it. Scientists have found that brain regions previously thought to be solely responsible for visual processing also react to physical sensations. When viewing scenes of violence, touch, or injury, the brain's touch centers activate in precise patterns that correspond to the affected body part.
Dr. Nicholas Hedger, the lead researcher on the study, says: "When you see someone being tickled or hurt, the brain regions that process touch show patterns that mimic the injured part, as if the brain is drawing what it sees on your body even though no actual contact has taken place."
The study was based on an analysis of the brain activity of 174 participants while they watched a variety of films. It revealed that the visual regions of the brain contain "body maps" similar to those of the tactile sense, indicating that the mechanisms of sensory perception are deeply intertwined within the visual system.
Heidegger explains that this interaction between the senses does not operate in only one direction, but rather involves a continuous exchange of information. For example, when a person moves in the dark, the senses of touch help them form an internal map of the space even with limited visual input, highlighting the cooperation of the senses in forming a comprehensive picture of the world.
The study indicates that seeing others in pain can trigger the same feeling in us, which explains the extreme distress caused by scenes such as a character in the "Saw" series having to cut off their foot to escape.
Researchers believe these findings have important clinical applications, as they may contribute to a better understanding of disorders such as autism.
Heidegger says, "Some theories suggest that mimicking what we see helps us understand the experiences of others, and these processes may work differently in people with autism." He adds that traditional sensory testing is often stressful for children or those with neurological disorders, while analyzing brain activity during film viewing could offer a new and easier method for diagnosis and research.
The study was published in the journal Nature.
