YOUTH VALLEY: REFLECTIONS FROM A YOUNG ADULT
I’ve always loved stories. Any and all kinds of anecdotes, accounts or tales, I have forever cherished. When I was younger, I craved narrative so much that, when I ran out of things to read, I resorted to reading my father’s non-fiction books about North Korean war camps. Obviously, these were upsetting for a 10-year-old. But I still read them, because my brain demanded more.
As I got older, that love transcended books and branched into movies, TV shows, music, and eventually social media—anything that triggered a diversification of thought in my mind as it bounded off the stories, analyzing, critiquing, and adoring them.
Needless to say, I am by no means unique in this. For thousands of years, storytelling has allowed humans to share potentially life-threatening information, so we have developed excessive processing abilities for listening and speaking.
For countless generations, humanity had only oral tradition, and to this day, the spoken word is a compelling way to communicate. Before the relatively modern invention of writing, this rich and powerful practice was a staple that helped to bind each culture, clan, and society together. Writing, which evolved independently in various locations, was the next logical extension, although for hundreds or thousands of years more, only a tiny fraction of people achieved literacy.
When the printing press came about, and as more people became literate, common narratives slowly began to create more connections among readers. Stories and songs started to cross borders and break divides.
“Stories trigger oxytocin in our brain — the act of sharing or absorbing a narrative feeds our desire for empathetic connection”
Nowadays, we have reached a point where most people can read, and we have infinite means of communication: social media, TV, ads, libraries of free books, unlimited music, and more. Now, we can not only consume others’ stories, but also share our own.
Creating a story around an event, emotion, or experience makes people more likely to notice and remember it—and even to feel empathy about it. Humans are irrational, constantly mixing facts with feelings, and this is why narrative continues to be important, even after thousands of years. Even if some people claim not to like reading or watching movies, we all collectively respond to stories.
If you think about it, pretty much all communication is some form of storytelling. Why have TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram all found success? Because they allow every user to craft and absorb narratives. Social media platforms respond to the human need for connection. At their best, they can help you feel seen and understood.
Stories trigger oxytocin in our brain. Whether it be oral storytelling, books, movies, TV, social media, or even talking with friends, the act of sharing or absorbing a narrative feeds our desire for empathetic connection. As long as there are humans on earth, there will be stories.
