Researchers have discovered that when individuals watch a movie, their brains exhibit synchronized activity, mirroring the brain responses of others. This breakthrough method allows scientists to observe real-time changes in brain function during movie-watching experiences.
By using movies as stimuli, researchers have been able to investigate human brain function under conditions that closely resemble natural environments. Kaisu Lankinen from Aalto University in Finland explains, “Viewing a movie creates multilevel changes in brain function. Despite the complexity of the stimulus, the brain activity patterns elicited show remarkable similarities across different individuals, even on a fraction-of-a-second time scale.”
The study revealed significant similarities in brain signals among participants while watching the movie. Common patterns were observed in brain regions associated with early-stage visual processing, motion detection, facial recognition, motor coordination, and cognitive functions.
Lankinen notes, “The results suggest that the content of the movie impacts certain brain functions of viewers in a consistent manner.”
While previous studies have relied on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the superior temporal resolution of magnetoencephalography (MEG) holds promise for capturing more detailed insights into rapid brain processes within milliseconds.
This research, published in the NeuroImage journal, offers valuable insights into the dynamic interplay between cinematic stimuli and brain function, paving the way for further exploration of cognitive responses to audiovisual media.