PLoS One July 2013 PMID 23383160

How does fiction reading influence empathy? An experimental investigation on the role of emotional transportation.

P Matthijs Bal, Martijn Veltkamp

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Mentions

231
Peak: 8 in Mar 2023
across 6 sources since Feb 2019

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Feb 2019 – Sep 2025

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AI synopsis

What people are saying

Several discussions center on the study's assertion that emotional transportation during fiction reading boosts empathy. For instance, phrases like 'fiction makes us more empathetic' and references to specific research reinforce the idea that engaging storytelling cultivates a deeper understanding of others. The choice of optimistic language and enthusiastic tone, like 'must consider' and 'game changer,' indicate a strong belief in the transformative potential of fiction on empathy development.

AgreementStrong agreement

The majority of discussions strongly affirm the results of the publication, highlighting that fiction reading indeed influences empathy.

InterestHigh interest

Participants exhibit a high level of curiosity about the topic, reflecting their eagerness to explore how fiction impacts empathy.

EngagementModerate engagement

While many posts reference the study directly, some show surface-level acknowledgment without deep-dive analysis.

ImpactHigh impact

The collective perception suggests that the findings have significant real-world implications for understanding empathy and fiction's role in social development.

Abstract in brief

  • This study examined how reading fiction affects readers' empathy, focusing on the concept of transportation theory.
  • Two experiments revealed that readers who felt emotionally immersed in a fictional story experienced increased empathy for a week, while those who did not feel transported showed lower empathy.
  • The results indicated that fiction can enhance empathy, but only when readers are emotionally engaged—this effect did not occur with non-fiction content.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Hidden Brain
@HiddenBrain · X

Read the full study: “How Does Fiction Reading Influence Empathy? An Experimental Investigation on the Role of Emotional Transportation” https://t.co/ezQz8a7wG8

Sep 1, 2020 · 36 likes · 3 shares · 125,216 followers View post →
Mario Gabriele
@mariogabriele · X

4 Empathy. Fiction makes us more empathetic. We invest in the life of someone else, caring about what happens to them. One study showed empathy increased in readers of fiction in as little as a week. There are many others. https://t.co/jFKQB3F9fd https://t.co/t2F0wEYAs3

Oct 15, 2020 · 22 likes · 2 shares · 62,735 followers View post →
Kathrinna Rakhmavika
@gambarnana · X

2. How Does Fiction Reading Influence Empathy? An Experimental Investigation on the Role of Emotional Transportation oleh P. Matthijs Bal and Martijn Veltkamp. Diterbitkan 30 Januari 2013 di situs PLOS One Link: https://t.co/z2U8DaByke (cont)

Feb 23, 2023 · 20 likes · 3 shares · 8,034 followers View post →
Comm Sci
@ICA_CSaB · X

How Does Fiction Reading Influence Empathy? An Experimental Investigation on the Role of Emotional Transportation https://t.co/KNltmdcWWv

Sep 1, 2020 · 8 likes · 1,121 followers View post →
Helmut Baltrusch
@Balelt41 · X

Storytelling - Warum sind wir süchtig nach Geschichten, Serien, Filmen? ... https://t.co/FdOKPgD8VC via @YouTube

Mar 20, 2023 · 7 likes · 5 shares · 38,739 followers View post →
Cyka LoL
@Cykalol_cl · X

@tobyemon https://t.co/ZPmqeXlmxQ Except studies show the empathy of a person either stays the same or increases with fictional works

Mar 17, 2024 · 5 likes · 1 share · 402 followers View post →

All mentions

DM Mark Moonfang
@Mark_Moonfang · X

@wewasnishiki @Doze_Tree @BiggestKusalol These first four confirm that fiction does influence people's perception and response to reality. "How Does Fiction Reading Influence Empathy? An Experimental Investigation on the Role of Emotional Transportation" (Bal & Veltkamp, 2013) "The Influence of Climate Fiction: An

Aug 26, 2025 · 74 followers View post →
DM Mark Moonfang
@Mark_Moonfang · X

@Doze_Tree @BiggestKusalol "How Does Fiction Reading Influence Empathy? An Experimental Investigation on the Role of Emotional Transportation" (Bal & Veltkamp, 2013) "The Influence of Climate Fiction: An Empirical Survey of Readers" (Schneider-Mayerson, 2018) "The Function of Fiction is the Abstraction

Aug 26, 2025 · 3 likes · 74 followers View post →
wendy
@Real_NLt · X

RT @thaibookfair: การอ่านช่วยเพิ่ม Empathy จริงหรือไม่? แหล่งที่มา : https://t.co/GqQ9iYC9zN #THAIBOOKFAIR #PUBAT #สมาคมผู้จัดพิมพ์ฯ http…

Jun 25, 2025 · 2 shares · 240 followers View post →
Thai Book Fair
@thaibookfair · X

การอ่านช่วยเพิ่ม Empathy จริงหรือไม่? แหล่งที่มา : https://t.co/GqQ9iYC9zN #THAIBOOKFAIR #PUBAT #สมาคมผู้จัดพิมพ์ฯ https://t.co/1KVg30qG3b

Jun 12, 2025 · 3 likes · 2 shares · 7,970 followers View post →
DSOTM/LUNAR |
@T04ST3DCR4MB · X

1. Narrative Transportation & Empathy: https://t.co/prBFNQyaVG 2. Cultivation Theory (Simply Psychology): https://t.co/Hm3EqH5PqF 3. Cultivation Theory (Verywell Mind): https://t.co/GUOCnIponi 4. Memory and Fiction (ScienceDirect): https://t.co/SwICAY9Zn1

May 21, 2025 · 152 followers View post →
Charlotte L Coolidge
@C_Coolidge · X

How Does Fiction Reading Influence Empathy? An Experimental Investigation on the Role of Emotional Transportation PLoS One. 2013 Jan 30;8(1):e55341. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055341 https://t.co/kfbwMPKv7K

Jan 25, 2025 · 11,702 followers View post →
nath ⚢
@mizipussyrider · X

@laylaystarss @daemyradream @malkav55 Funny enough, there's more research towards fiction affecting reality, read them, if you can even read How fiction can change reality - Jessica Wise | TED-Ed How Does Fiction Reading Influence Empathy? An Experimental Investigation on the Role of Emotional Transportation

Dec 9, 2024 · 296 followers View post →
Christopher C. Smith
@christophcsmith · X

Some video games have a narrative component, but to train empathy, narrative must emotionally transport you into the story and get you to take the characters' perspective. ("Life Is Strange" does this, but many narrative games don't.) https://t.co/1aWtAeMV6w

Nov 28, 2024 · 2 likes · 781 followers View post →
Charlotte L Coolidge
@C_Coolidge · X

How Does Fiction Reading Influence Empathy? An Experimental Investigation on the Role of Emotional Transportation PLoS One. 2013 Jan 30;8(1):e55341. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055341 https://t.co/AsbeQxES0o.

Nov 24, 2024 · 11,702 followers View post →
alandio
@alandio_edicion · X

Mediante dos experimentos, este estudio muestra que, con el tiempo, adentrarse en la #narrativadeficción influye en la #empatía. #Leer #libros y ver películas, teatro o series (actividades habituales) son experiencias de «narrativas de ficción». @PLOSONE. https://t.co/aFgSzPRKih https://t.co/to5RLtFXLG

Jun 4, 2024 · 93 followers View post →
alandio
@alandio_edicion · X

Through two experiments, this study shows that transportation into #fictionalnarrative influences #empathy over time. #Reading #books and watching movies, plays, and operas (usual activities) are experiences of «fictional narratives». @PLOSONE. https://t.co/aFgSzPRcsJ https://t.co/eABWsHeRqv

Jun 4, 2024 · 93 followers View post →
Vent Account
@VentAccount00 · X

RT @Cykalol_cl: @tobyemon https://t.co/ZPmqeXlmxQ Except studies show the empathy of a person either stays the same or increases with ficti…

Mar 23, 2024 · 1 share · 4 followers View post →
Cyka LoL
@Cykalol_cl · X

@tobyemon https://t.co/ZPmqeXlmxQ Except studies show the empathy of a person either stays the same or increases with fictional works

Mar 17, 2024 · 5 likes · 1 share · 402 followers View post →
Corry Westbrook
@CorryWestbrook · X

RT @WestbrookCK: Happy I #write #sciencefiction I hope “The Impact Series” creates more #empathy Thanks #writingcommunity for creating…

Mar 5, 2024 · 1 share · 563 followers View post →
Author CK Westbrook
@WestbrookCK · X

Happy I #write #sciencefiction I hope “The Impact Series” creates more #empathy Thanks #writingcommunity for creating #kindness

Mar 5, 2024 · 3 likes · 1 share · 699 followers View post →
Tim Lockette
@TLocketteWrites · X

@AmericanGwyn Studies have been done on this. Here’s an interesting one that links the quality of the work to increases in empathy. If you’re emotionally transported, you’ll become more empathetic. https://t.co/vfCktuZuJy

Nov 8, 2023 · 1 like · 4,601 followers View post →
ana
@73luvs · X

@TheBanditsGhost @cinqetes 1. here's a **peer-reviewed** article that talks about how fiction influences human empathy & it also covers how fiction to a large extent influences real life. you're a stupid piece of shit if you genuinely believe otherwise. https://t.co/zzDQHdPDlP

Oct 19, 2023 · 2 likes · 859 followers View post →
هاویشام
@havishammm · X

@hidden20Sa https://t.co/C1PkFfiG9O

Sep 2, 2023 · 1 like · 6,506 followers View post →
Sara • ™שרא
@FeldmanSaraa · X

@DjangoUnChxined https://t.co/CAy8a37jkv

May 22, 2023 · 17,637 followers View post →
Widya
@wddya · X

RT @gambarnana: 2. How Does Fiction Reading Influence Empathy? An Experimental Investigation on the Role of Emotional Transportation oleh P…

May 8, 2023 · 3 shares · 221 followers View post →
bambi
@surpriseenue · X

RT @gambarnana: 2. How Does Fiction Reading Influence Empathy? An Experimental Investigation on the Role of Emotional Transportation oleh P…

Apr 29, 2023 · 3 shares · 13 followers View post →
barby_turic
@barby_turic · X

RT @Balelt41: Storytelling - Warum sind wir süchtig nach Geschichten, Serien, Filmen? ... https://t.co/FdOKPgD8VC via @YouTube

Mar 20, 2023 · 5 shares · 9,289 followers View post →
Marie Nassar3
@WonderfulSpace4 · X

RT @Balelt41: Storytelling - Warum sind wir süchtig nach Geschichten, Serien, Filmen? ... https://t.co/FdOKPgD8VC via @YouTube

Mar 20, 2023 · 5 shares · 72,450 followers View post →
ฺฺ桜井 麗奈*
@Reina_dream8 · X

RT @Balelt41: Storytelling - Warum sind wir süchtig nach Geschichten, Serien, Filmen? ... https://t.co/FdOKPgD8VC via @YouTube

Mar 20, 2023 · 5 shares · 33,487 followers View post →
jacolek1981
@jacolek1981 · X

RT @Balelt41: Storytelling - Warum sind wir süchtig nach Geschichten, Serien, Filmen? ... https://t.co/FdOKPgD8VC via @YouTube

Mar 20, 2023 · 5 shares · 37,506 followers View post →
Helmut Baltrusch
@Balelt41 · X

Storytelling - Warum sind wir süchtig nach Geschichten, Serien, Filmen? ... https://t.co/FdOKPgD8VC via @YouTube

Mar 20, 2023 · 7 likes · 5 shares · 38,739 followers View post →
ottersnoot
@ottersnoot · X

https://t.co/mlg7rqjSXL Also. Es gibt kein unseres Gehirn und es gibt indogene Geschichten die ergeben zumindest für mich absolut keinen Sinn. Und wenn du mal Shakespeare mit Goethe vergleichst wirst du merken das der eine ein kultivierter Menschenkenner war der in einer

Mar 15, 2023 · 4 followers View post →
ottersnoot
@ottersnoot · X

https://t.co/mlg7rqjSXL oh man Ralph du arsch xD was war das denn ey

Mar 15, 2023 · 4 followers View post →
Kathrinna Rakhmavika
@gambarnana · X

2. How Does Fiction Reading Influence Empathy? An Experimental Investigation on the Role of Emotional Transportation oleh P. Matthijs Bal and Martijn Veltkamp. Diterbitkan 30 Januari 2013 di situs PLOS One. Link: https://t.co/z2U8DaByke

Feb 27, 2023 · 2 likes · 8,034 followers View post →
Kathrinna Rakhmavika
@gambarnana · X

2. How Does Fiction Reading Influence Empathy? An Experimental Investigation on the Role of Emotional Transportation oleh P. Matthijs Bal and Martijn Veltkamp. Diterbitkan 30 Januari 2013 di situs PLOS One Link: https://t.co/z2U8DaByke (cont)

Feb 23, 2023 · 20 likes · 3 shares · 8,034 followers View post →
Claire Honeycutt | ClarifiED
@HippyMomPhD · X

@PezeshkiCharles 100 percent agree that interaction is critical to social-emotional development. It also true that reading develops empathy (reference below) & can let readers get to know people that they wouldn't come across in their regular life - example people from https://t.co/6nWM1aTsmZ

Feb 14, 2023 · 1 like · 16,539 followers View post →
Claire Honeycutt | ClarifiED
@HippyMomPhD · X

@PezeshkiCharles 100 percent agree that interaction is critical to social-emotional development but it also true that reading develops empathy & can let readers get to know people that they wouldn't come across in their regular life - think people from other countries & https://t.co/6nWM1aTsmZ

Feb 14, 2023 · 1 like · 16,539 followers View post →
Quermez زرتشت
@DariusNotorious · X

@VincentLanies @MarxFanAccount D'ailleurs si une œuvre d'art reçoit cette appellation c'est qu'elle suscite l'empathie. Ainsi, Camus comme Céline arrivent à me toucher même s'ils n'ont rien à voir politiquement et dans leurs messages ... quoique ... https://t.co/jUf9QeBg3z

Jan 10, 2023 · 89 followers View post →
Mayowa Sheikhspeare
@CoveredInWords · X

A 2013 study in PLOS ONE found that after adults read fiction that made them feel “transported” into a story, they displayed more empathy toward others when compared to a second group who read non-fiction. https://t.co/kPkgj9fJwD

Jul 31, 2022 · 1 like · 18,243 followers View post →
Nathan Pensky
@Nathan_Pensky · X

@alissamarie This study shows that for fiction readers, being "emotionally transported" makes a difference: https://t.co/mUlKitk2BV

Jul 7, 2022 · 1 like · 1,964 followers View post →
pimser pat
@ult1mate_rat · X

@Andre97912043 @edogawa_dono @BaraoLorde @WAIFU_WATCHERS https://t.co/jWk1HbfiLA

May 14, 2022 · 86 followers View post →
pimser pat
@ult1mate_rat · X

@Andre97912043 @BaraoLorde @WAIFU_WATCHERS https://t.co/jWk1HbfiLA

May 14, 2022 · 86 followers View post →
Dr Andrew Huang 黄延祺
@DrAndrewHuang · X

But I did find this one showing reading fiction does influence the reader's empathy. https://t.co/ex94DaQmbh

Dec 22, 2021 · 1,326 followers View post →
Sue Thomson
@DrSueThomson · X

@HughRundle @lissertations @MissLibraryGrrl Apparently it's about being immersed in a story. Full article at https://t.co/KLFOGOML0D. plenty of citations ... https://t.co/ao7RrA2cvU

Nov 30, 2021 · 395 followers View post →
Niarazu
@Niarazu · X

@DavidGmeh @MSNBC https://t.co/dAcW08W1RH "Two experiments showed that empathy was influenced over a period of one week for people who read a fictional story, but only when they were emotionally transported into the story."

Nov 17, 2021 · 7 followers View post →
WishToWalkAndFly
@NeverKnownWorld · X

心理学の話:小説(フィクション)を読むことで人はより共感を持ちやすくなるのか?という問いをリンク先の論文は実験によって分析してます。面白いですね。需要があればこういう研究をバーチャル企画別勉強会で紹介してもいいかも?(自分の専門に集中しろ( っ・∀・)≡⊃ ゚∀゚)) https://t.co/wLJxUH1wBj

Nov 13, 2021 · 490 followers View post →
Andrew Piper
@_akpiper · X

@RKreuzbauer so not my hypothesis! here is a screenshot of the literature on it and a link to one of the most cited pieces: https://t.co/xuoMjyDcWu https://t.co/X7ZWciZvui

Jun 2, 2021 · 5,641 followers View post →
@NL_Wetenschap
@NL_Wetenschap · X

@janniekuipers Dit is er eentje over de relatie tussen lezen en empathie https://t.co/0ENlcX8tbe

Apr 11, 2021 · 19,221 followers View post →
Leon Bambrick
@secretGeek · X

@kitchenettekat @boucher @andy_matuschak I think this is a different study, same general topic — https://t.co/gHAbpG75MR

Dec 8, 2020 · 3 likes · 3,605 followers View post →
carlos cordoba cely
@limboctante · X

Este estudio muestra que leer literatura de ficción aumenta la empatía. https://t.co/Fnv82LRy66

Oct 30, 2020 · 1 like · 834 followers View post →
Tchonté P. M. Silué
@LoukiGirl · X

RT @mariodgabriele: 4 Empathy. Fiction makes us more empathetic. We invest in the life of someone else, caring about what happens to them…

Oct 22, 2020 · 2 shares · 16,996 followers View post →
Mario Gabriele
@mariogabriele · X

RT @mariodgabriele: 4 Empathy. Fiction makes us more empathetic. We invest in the life of someone else, caring about what happens to them…

Oct 16, 2020 · 2 shares · 62,735 followers View post →
Mario Gabriele
@mariogabriele · X

4 Empathy. Fiction makes us more empathetic. We invest in the life of someone else, caring about what happens to them. One study showed empathy increased in readers of fiction in as little as a week. There are many others. https://t.co/jFKQB3F9fd https://t.co/t2F0wEYAs3

Oct 15, 2020 · 22 likes · 2 shares · 62,735 followers View post →
Jennifer Traverso
@JennTraverso · X

RT @thinkSRSD: Reading fiction can actually increase general empathy: https://t.co/WQodi3Mjfv

Sep 24, 2020 · 1 share · 127 followers View post →
Science of Writing Instruction
@thinkSRSD · X

Reading fiction can actually increase general empathy: https://t.co/WQodi3Mjfv

Sep 22, 2020 · 2 likes · 1 share · 3,738 followers View post →
Lammbone
@Lammbone · X

RT @HiddenBrain: Read the full study: “How Does Fiction Reading Influence Empathy? An Experimental Investigation on the Role of Emotional…

Sep 2, 2020 · 3 shares · 216 followers View post →
Jeff Stutzman
@INdebatecoach · X

RT @HiddenBrain: Read the full study: “How Does Fiction Reading Influence Empathy? An Experimental Investigation on the Role of Emotional…

Sep 2, 2020 · 3 shares · 518 followers View post →
Comm Sci
@ICA_CSaB · X

How Does Fiction Reading Influence Empathy? An Experimental Investigation on the Role of Emotional Transportation https://t.co/KNltmdcWWv

Sep 1, 2020 · 8 likes · 1,121 followers View post →
Hidden Brain
@HiddenBrain · X

Read the full study: “How Does Fiction Reading Influence Empathy? An Experimental Investigation on the Role of Emotional Transportation” https://t.co/ezQz8a7wG8

Sep 1, 2020 · 36 likes · 3 shares · 125,216 followers View post →
Samantha Shad
@SamanthaShad · X

This fascinating study finds that fictional stories that emotionally transport readers can increase empathy. https://t.co/0zMA9v6xnG #WritingCommunity #FellowWriters https://t.co/dXuToLUUVB

Feb 17, 2020 · 2 likes · 534 followers View post →
Kathleen and the Never-Ending Community Rewatch
@BangableGnome · X

@bignanabs @oknolisten @SubNeedFootlong @pasteIsteve https://t.co/FrBjdtMF8d

Feb 10, 2020 · 299 followers View post →
Short Story Book Club
@SSBCtweets · X

We often see articles about how reading books can be beneficial, but did you know it can also make you a more empathetic person? Check out the study by P. Matthijs Bal and Martijn Veltkamp: https://t.co/i2iJZgDEN8 #lovetoread #readingisawesome #readingtime #readingislife #learn https://t.co/nqhbIhXYvU

Feb 19, 2019 · 15 followers View post →