Does reading contribute to the feeling of loneliness?

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FitzChivalry Farseer

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Title Question^^

I mean I can only speak with experience that when I finish a book a sudden wave of loneliness crumbles me down. I know its only a temporary feeling but do you think that maybe after having been attached to these characters then having them be taken from ones mind that it causes us to see the world in a different way? Does reading make us see the world in a third person view? I dont know how to explain myself more thoroughly but I think that reading situates our minds in thinking a very different way from how anyone realistically sees the world. Our emotions react to a certain scene that's similar to a scene we imagined in the book.
 
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I know what you mean i get the same way, its like a sudden loss of something you've grown to enjoy. even happens with fan fiction when you find a good one and its either too short/ends/never finished
 

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That happens with books, shows, mangas alike. You get attached to characters then suddenly it's all over.
I agree with this , I get attach to characters & when i'm done with set story , it feels weird lol & not having someone you can share this with it does't help either .
 

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Quite the interesting thought.... I have experienced this feeling of loss when done reading a book as well. Peculiar, now that I think about it. I suppose it's simply due to the losing of a "world" we enjoy, and being thrust back into our own reality. Where we have responsibilities to worry over, compared to an interesting story we can take a step back in and observe in a care free manner.
 

FitzChivalry Farseer

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Quite the interesting thought.... I have experienced this feeling of loss when done reading a book as well. Peculiar, now that I think about it. I suppose it's simply due to the losing of a "world" we enjoy, and being thrust back into our own reality. Where we have responsibilities to worry over, compared to an interesting story we can take a step back in and observe in a care free manner.
By far the best explanation that Ive heard of. What are your thoughts on this question, do you think that after reading books for so long that one would start seeing the world in a third person view? Sorta detached but not from reality. Sorta like realistically detached from reality
 
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Europa

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By far the best explanation that Ive heard of. What are your thoughts on this question, do you think that after reading books for so long that one would start seeing the world in a third person view? Sorta detached but not from reality. Sorta like realistically detached from reality
Yes, I'd think that once you've started to read for long periods of time, and on numerous occasions I can say that you start to view it in the same manner as if you were reading a book. You'd be use to putting yourself out of the action, and you'd most probably act as a spectator then someone actually in the "story". Once you get use to thinking one way, it would probably take some time for you to shift gears back into the former mind set.

@The Bold: I like the way you put this. I really do. I could see this happening, just separating oneself from "The Real" and handling life as if it were another plot or novel.
 

FitzChivalry Farseer

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I think the opposite. Reading or writing a book let's you enter another world and meet new people. I feel more connected than alone.
Dont you think that's bad though? I could even call it selfish that one would want to make friends with fictional characters than to want be in the company of others. I know you may not be doing this and that you have real friends but there is people out there who do immerse themselves completely with reading. Dont you think it unwise to support this type of behavior
 

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I see what you mean.

Anyone can watch tv or listen to music
Not many like to read and it is even harder for someone to read what you specifically like to read.

And reading is a much more personal experience.
It allows your imagination to fill in the blanks and paint the picture.

And when its over.Its over and unless someone else read it as well nobody else can then relate to the world you invested in.
 

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Dont you think that's bad though? I could even call it selfish that one would want to make friends with fictional characters than to want be in the company of others. I know you may not be doing this and that you have real friends but there is people out there who do immerse themselves completely with reading. Dont you think it unwise to support this type of behavior
Not at all. I'm not talking like these characters are my friends. I'm talking in the sense I now know about a person. For example, I'm not friends with Batman, but I feel like I can understand and connect to some parts of him. I get to see another person's life.

I disagree on it being selfish. Some people just don't blend with others and if they can find solice and happiness in fictional characters, than good for them. Aslong as they can function in society, that's cool. Not everyone needs friends. I don't know anyone who truly is alone and just have immernsed themselves in reading, but I am not anti-this behavior. I'm pro-whatever makes someone happy as long as it isn't harmful, and I believe immersing oneself into something isn't harmful. Some people just roll better that way, you know? Some people use reading to immerse themselves into that world because they are lonely. Some use that experience from reading to use in their real life to understand others better. Everyone responds differently.
 
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FitzChivalry Farseer

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Yes, I'd think that once you've started to read for long periods of time, and on numerous occasions I can say that you start to view it in the same manner as if you were reading a book. You'd be use to putting yourself out of the action, and you'd most probably act as a spectator then someone actually in the "story". Once you get use to thinking one way, it would probably take some time for you to shift gears back into the former mind set.

@The Bold: I like the way you put this. I really do. I could see this happening, just separating oneself from "The Real" and handling life as if it were another plot or novel.
Exactly what I was thinking, now to know wether this behavior benefits anything or anyone. How would one act if they were living with this type of mind set? Would they be just spectators to life and never feeling the need to "intrude" or do you think the complete opposite can happen where one would want to somehow make life more interesting by starting drama and seeing how things play out? Geez I wish I had aspent more time noticing students behaviors in school it would've been the best place to have done so.
 

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Exactly what I was thinking, now to know wether this behavior benefits anything or anyone. How would one act if they were living with this type of mind set? Would they be just spectators to life and never feeling the need to "intrude" or do you think the complete opposite can happen where one would want to somehow make life more interesting by starting drama and seeing how things play out? Geez I wish I had aspent more time noticing students behaviors in school it would've been the best place to have done so.
Well, it's hard to speak on this considering it's all hypothetical. But, I'd said there would be a split in people who had this Third Person Perspective way of viewing life. The split size, I'm not entirely sure of as once again, it's all speculation. It's safe to say some would prefer to not be apart of the action and want to further observe life this way with minimal contact or involvement. Whereas others might feel the need to act out and, as you said, and cause problems or instigate for entertainment and drama.

Another thing to consider is, would a person be happy with this kind of perspective? Or, would they only be causing the trouble and drama for temporary entertainment and happiness? And those who sit quietly, too meek to stand out and go back to an active and I suppose, first person way of look
 
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