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You Are What You Watch

You Are What You Watch

by Walter Hickey 2023 240 pages
3.69
500+ ratings
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Key Takeaways

1. Movies affect our bodies physically, from blood curdling to brain chemistry

"You're watching a movie in a theater when on-screen, out of nowhere, a serial killer attacks. Because you're scared, your body increases the amount of coagulant factors in your bloodstream, causing your blood to literally curdle."

Physical reactions to films. Our bodies respond to movies as if the events were real, despite our conscious awareness that they are fictional. This includes:

  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure during suspenseful scenes
  • Release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline
  • Changes in brain chemistry, including dopamine release during rewarding moments
  • Alterations in breathing patterns and muscle tension

Measurable environmental changes. The collective physical responses of an audience can even be detected in the air:

  • CO2 levels in theaters increase 2.5 to 6 times during a film
  • Airborne isoprene spikes during tense moments as muscles tense
  • Over 100 trace gases in theater air fluctuate based on the emotional content of the film

2. Our brains process films uniquely, utilizing visual shortcuts and attention manipulation

"Your brain is able to keep up with it because it's just quicker than the time it takes to turn a brain cell on and off."

Visual processing shortcuts. Our brains use several mechanisms to create a seamless viewing experience:

  • Persistence of vision: The brain perceives a series of still images as continuous motion
  • Saccadic suppression: Brief moments of "blindness" during rapid eye movements are filled in
  • Attentional focus: The brain suppresses peripheral information to enhance the focal point

Directorial techniques. Filmmakers exploit these cognitive processes to guide viewer attention:

  • Strategic lighting and framing to draw the eye
  • Pacing and editing to control the flow of information
  • Sound design to create emotional resonance and direct focus

These techniques allow directors to create immersive experiences that feel real, despite being constructed from a limited set of visual and auditory cues.

3. Pop culture shapes our identities, behaviors, and societal norms

"Because, it turns out, you really are what you watch. And you might just like yourself more because of it."

Identity formation. Media consumption plays a significant role in how we see ourselves and others:

  • Characters serve as role models and avatars for self-exploration
  • Narratives provide frameworks for understanding social dynamics
  • Representation in media influences perceptions of different groups

Behavioral influence. Pop culture can inspire real-world actions:

  • Career choices (e.g., CSI effect on forensic science enrollment)
  • Fashion trends and consumer preferences
  • Social movements and political engagement

The stories we consume shape our understanding of the world and our place in it, often in subtle but profound ways. This influence extends beyond individual choices to broader societal norms and values.

4. Media consumption influences our perceptions and actions in surprising ways

"Violent movies reduce crime."

Counterintuitive effects. Research has revealed unexpected impacts of media consumption:

  • Violent films correlate with reduced violent crime rates during showtimes
  • Horror fans showed greater psychological resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Exposure to diverse characters in media can increase empathy and reduce prejudice

Practical applications. Understanding media effects can inform policy and social interventions:

  • Using entertainment education to promote public health messages
  • Leveraging popular media to increase interest in STEM fields
  • Designing media literacy programs to mitigate negative influences

These findings challenge simplistic notions of media effects and highlight the complex relationship between entertainment and real-world behaviors.

5. The business of entertainment drives creative decisions and cultural trends

"Like it or not, art has always been defined by commerce. But in many ways, commerce can also be defined by art."

Financial imperatives. The entertainment industry's profit motives shape content:

  • Emphasis on sequels, reboots, and adaptations due to lower financial risk
  • Merchandising considerations influencing character design and story elements
  • Global market demands leading to culturally "neutral" content

Creative constraints and opportunities. The business model of entertainment both limits and enables artistic expression:

  • Studio systems providing resources for large-scale productions
  • Streaming platforms enabling niche content for targeted audiences
  • Crowdfunding and indie productions offering alternatives to mainstream fare

The interplay between art and commerce creates a dynamic ecosystem where financial success and creative innovation are often intertwined.

6. Nostalgia and familiarity fuel the success of reboots, sequels, and merchandise

"Nostalgia sells incredibly well, that people want the things that brought them comfort as kids when they feel alone."

Emotional appeal. Nostalgia taps into powerful psychological needs:

  • Comfort and security in familiar narratives
  • Connection to personal history and shared cultural experiences
  • Sense of continuity in a rapidly changing world

Marketing strategy. Leveraging nostalgia has become a key business tactic:

  • Reboots and remakes of popular franchises
  • Retro-styled products and "throwback" editions
  • Cross-generational marketing appealing to both parents and children

This trend reflects both the emotional power of nostalgia and the financial incentives for studios to exploit existing intellectual property.

7. Cultural exports serve as powerful tools of soft power and global influence

"If you rely on battleship tactics long enough, eventually you're going to encounter someone with a bigger battleship—or with smaller, faster, scrappier ships that overwhelm you. However, if you make your society and its stories and desires compelling, interesting, and worthy of exchange, a battleship won't do much, because you've already won the hearts and minds of the people."

Cultural diplomacy. Entertainment exports can achieve diplomatic goals:

  • Promoting national values and ideals through media
  • Creating positive associations with a country's culture and way of life
  • Fostering international goodwill and cooperation

Economic impact. Cultural exports contribute significantly to national economies:

  • Revenue from international film and TV distribution
  • Tourism inspired by popular media (e.g., Lord of the Rings and New Zealand)
  • Demand for language learning and cultural products

Countries like the United States, South Korea, and Japan have leveraged their entertainment industries to enhance their global influence and economic power.

8. Creating and engaging with art has measurable benefits for individuals and communities

"Doing creative things has been shown to be good for those who do them."

Personal benefits. Artistic expression and engagement can improve well-being:

  • Reduced stress and anxiety
  • Enhanced cognitive function and problem-solving skills
  • Increased self-awareness and emotional regulation

Social impact. Art fosters community connections and social cohesion:

  • Shared cultural experiences creating bonds between diverse groups
  • Public art installations revitalizing urban spaces
  • Participatory art projects promoting civic engagement

Research shows that both creating and consuming art can have positive effects on mental health, social relationships, and overall quality of life.

9. The structure of creative industries impacts the quality and diversity of entertainment

"The ability of talented creators to make things is defined by the health of the ecosystem they inhabit, and that the ability to be creative and do your best work is extremely dependent on the context in which you're trying to do that work."

Industry dynamics. The organization of creative industries affects output:

  • Consolidation leading to fewer, larger productions
  • Independent scenes fostering innovation and diverse voices
  • Digital platforms enabling new distribution models and creator-audience relationships

Creative ecosystems. Supportive environments are crucial for artistic development:

  • Mentorship and collaboration opportunities
  • Access to resources and training
  • Spaces for experimentation and risk-taking

The health of creative industries depends on balancing commercial interests with the conditions necessary for artistic growth and innovation.

10. Enduring stories tap into universal themes and adaptive storytelling techniques

"Garfield will last ten thousand years."

Universal appeal. Lasting stories often address fundamental human experiences:

  • Love, loss, and personal growth
  • Good versus evil and moral dilemmas
  • The hero's journey and overcoming adversity

Adaptability. Enduring narratives can evolve with changing times:

  • Reinterpretation of classic tales for new audiences
  • Flexibility in medium (e.g., oral tradition to written to digital)
  • Ability to incorporate contemporary issues into timeless frameworks

Stories that stand the test of time often combine archetypal elements with the flexibility to remain relevant across cultures and generations.

Last updated:

FAQ

What's You Are What You Watch about?

  • Media's Influence: The book explores how media consumption, including movies, television, books, and music, shapes our identities and behaviors. It argues that media is a significant factor in personal and societal development.
  • Cultural Reflection: Walter Hickey examines how culture reflects societal values and changes over time, using examples from pop culture. Media can inspire shifts in public perception and behavior.
  • Commerce and Culture: The book highlights the relationship between commerce and culture, showing how financial motivations drive media creation and distribution. This connection is crucial for understanding media's broader implications.

Why should I read You Are What You Watch?

  • Insightful Analysis: The book offers a unique perspective on the effects of media on our lives, combining data journalism with cultural commentary for a compelling narrative.
  • Broad Relevance: Insights into how media shapes identities and societal norms are universally applicable, encouraging reflection on media consumption habits.
  • Engaging Writing: Hickey's accessible and engaging writing style makes complex ideas easy to understand, using data and real-world examples to keep readers informed.

What are the key takeaways of You Are What You Watch?

  • Media Shapes Identity: Media consumption significantly influences who we are and how we perceive the world, emphasizing the profound impact on our identities.
  • Cultural and Economic Interplay: Culture and commerce are intertwined, affecting storytelling and audience resonance. Financial incentives shape the media landscape.
  • Empathy and Understanding: Media can foster understanding and connection among diverse audiences, promoting positive social change through empathy.

What are the best quotes from You Are What You Watch and what do they mean?

  • "You really are what you watch.": This encapsulates the book's main argument that media consumption shapes our identities and experiences, influencing values and beliefs.
  • "Pop culture is that and so much more—including a vehicle to make us better.": Emphasizes pop culture's potential to inspire growth and understanding, suggesting media can encourage empathy and social awareness.
  • "When we absorb a piece of culture, we cede control of our autonomy to another person.": Highlights power dynamics in media consumption, reminding us to be mindful of media choices.

How does [Book Title] define the "Identity Industry"?

  • Merchandising as Identity: The "Identity Industry" is defined as the commercialization of personal identity through media and merchandise, resonating with consumers' self-perceptions.
  • Cultural Significance: This industry reflects societal trends, where individuals express identities through consumed media, a central theme in the book.
  • Emotional Fulfillment: Products in this industry serve as tools for emotional fulfillment, connecting consumers with their past and reinforcing identities.

What role does nostalgia play in You Are What You Watch?

  • Marketing Tool: Nostalgia is leveraged by marketers to create products resonating with consumers' memories and emotions, effectively targeting adults.
  • Identity Connection: Nostalgia helps individuals forge connections to their identities, driving consumer behavior and purchasing decisions.
  • Cultural Reflection: Nostalgia influences individual choices and reflects broader cultural trends, serving as a lens to understand societal values.

How does [Book Title] address the concept of reboots and sequels?

  • Financial Incentives: Reboots and sequels are often produced for financial reliability, generating more revenue than original films, reflecting a risk-averse industry mentality.
  • Cultural Impact: The prevalence of reboots affects storytelling diversity, potentially stifling creativity and limiting new narrative exploration.
  • Audience Expectations: Audiences expect reboots and sequels, creating a cycle of nostalgia-driven consumption that shapes production decisions and viewer engagement.

How does [Book Title] explore the impact of media on children?

  • Developmental Influence: Media exposure affects children's development, including understanding social norms and behaviors, emphasizing positive representations.
  • Learning Through Media: Children learn from media, often emulating characters and behaviors, highlighting creators' responsibility for constructive representations.
  • Parental Concerns: Addresses screen time concerns, arguing media can be beneficial when consumed mindfully, encouraging parental engagement in media choices.

How does [Book Title] analyze the impact of pop culture on society?

  • Cultural Reflection: Pop culture mirrors societal values, beliefs, and anxieties, shaping public discourse and influencing behaviors and attitudes.
  • Consumer Behavior: Pop culture affects consumer behavior through nostalgia and emotional connections, impacting purchasing decisions and lifestyle choices.
  • Social Dynamics: Pop culture shapes social dynamics, including identity, belonging, and community, fostering connections among individuals with shared cultural references.

What psychological effects of media consumption are discussed in You Are What You Watch?

  • Emotional Engagement: Films evoke strong emotional responses, influencing psychological states and connecting us with stories.
  • Attention and Focus: Directors manipulate audience attention through visual techniques, affecting perception and emotional responses.
  • Cognitive Dissonance: Viewers may struggle to reconcile beliefs with film messages, leading to changes in attitudes and behaviors over time.

How does [Book Title] address the relationship between pop culture and crime?

  • Misconceptions About Influence: Challenges the notion that violent media increases crime, presenting research showing it can reduce crime by occupying potential offenders.
  • Empirical Evidence: Cites studies correlating violent film releases with decreased crime, suggesting media can serve as incapacitation.
  • Cultural Perception: Media shapes crime perception, often exaggerating safety fears, highlighting the need for critical media engagement.

What methods does [Author] use to support arguments in You Are What You Watch?

  • Data Analysis: Employs data analysis to illustrate trends in consumer behavior and media consumption, providing a solid foundation for arguments.
  • Case Studies: Uses case studies of specific franchises and products to demonstrate principles, contextualizing broader themes for readers.
  • Interviews and Research: Incorporates insights from industry professionals and researchers, enriching the narrative and adding depth to pop culture analysis.

Review Summary

3.69 out of 5
Average of 500+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

You Are What You Watch received mixed reviews, with an average rating of 3.72/5. Many readers found it informative and data-driven, praising its insights into how media affects society and individuals. The colorful charts and graphs were appreciated, though some found them hard to read on e-readers. Critics noted that certain topics felt tangential or lacked depth. Overall, readers enjoyed the blend of science and pop culture anecdotes, but some wanted more analysis on potential negative effects of media consumption.

Your rating:

About the Author

Walter Hickey is the Deputy Editor for Data and Analysis at Insider and previously worked as chief culture writer at FiveThirtyEight. He holds a degree in Applied Mathematics from The College of William and Mary. Hickey is known for his data journalism and writes the daily newsletter Numlock News. He also edits comics at Insider. In 2022, Hickey won the Pulitzer Prize for Illustrated Reporting for his work on a piece documenting the experiences of Uyghurs in Chinese internment camps. His background in data analysis and pop culture writing informs his approach to journalism and authorship.

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