A recent study published in the journal Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts has revealed that watching experimental animated short films can significantly increase creativity levels compared to consuming viral videos on platforms like YouTube. This work, led by scientists Jonathan Schooler and Madeleine Gross, was conducted with 500 people, divided into two groups: one exposed to experimental short films and the other to viral content.
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The results of the study show that those who watched experimental short films achieved a notable improvement in their creativity, evidenced by writing short stories in which they had to identify connections between different concepts. In contrast, participants who watched viral videos showed no significant change in their creative ability. Although viral videos were perceived as more entertaining, their cognitive impact was practically nil, compared to the stimulation provided by the short films.
The research suggests that exposure to ambiguity and the originality of short films challenges the brain to seek alternatives and break established thought patterns. Schooler emphasizes that even small doses of this type of content can be beneficial, much like light exercise that improves physical health. “This indicates that, although we enjoy lighter content, we need to include in our mental routine those that truly contribute to our cognitive development“, says Gross.
Thus, experts recommend integrating experimental animated short films into our audiovisual consumption as a way to exercise the mind, suggesting that this type of content can provide cognitive enrichment similar to that of a healthy diet. Therefore, if you feel that your creativity is stagnant, consider exploring the fascinating world of experimental animation to reactivate your imagination.