Planets, natural phenomena, galaxies, constellations and even black holes fascinate many people who, without being experts in astronomy, are interested in the mysteries of the universe and want to know what lies beyond the Earth, for example.
Fascination is a word with Latin roots that, as confirmed by consulting the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) , has three interpretations.
This word can be used, for example, to refer to a hallucination or a deception , just as it is possible to use it as a synonym for the act that causes the so-called evil eye, generally associated with a spell or spell . Likewise, this term encompasses the effect produced by everything that causes immense attraction .
Although there are some films, plays and even songs that include this notion in their title, below we will address the links and value that this concept has not only with the artistic field but also with the learning process, the development of fanaticisms and the enjoyment of certain activities.
How fascination impacts the human brain
Experiencing fascination with something or someone inspires, motivates and drives sensations, reflections and emotions linked to amazement , interest , pleasure and attraction or admiration .
Fascination does not go unnoticed by the human brain, which understands that the subject feels an intense charm for a place, a phenomenon, an individual, a thing or a particular activity.
When the state of fascination is so deep and escapes all logic or understanding because words are not enough to describe or explain what one feels and the pleasure is excessive or abnormal, then the existence of an obsession, an addiction or an addiction cannot be ruled out. a fanaticism
Each being, depending on their specific preferences and interests, can feel fascination throughout their existence with different issues. Thus, while some demonstrate fascination with everything related to science and technology , others claim to be completely fascinated by the mysteries of the universe , which is why they invest time and resources in matters concerning astronomy , natural phenomena , extraterrestrial life . and the cosmos . There is also no shortage of those who, given their great fascination with culture , are completely inclined towards cinema , literature , dance , music and other artistic manifestations.
Watching a sunrise on the beach, walking through forests in the middle of autumn, building snowmen during a family vacation and enjoying the visual spectacle that the full moon gives on a summer evening are pleasures that comfort the soul, refresh the mind and gratify the soul. spirit.
What science says
Science has been exploring the origin, implications and effects of fascination for years.
Some time ago, for example, a study was carried out at the North American University of California according to which provoking fascination or surprise stimulates social action that is as positive and useful as it is altruistic. It acquires, therefore, a vital function at the community level because it tends to the common good, according to this research.
May 18 , on the other hand, has been chosen as International Plant Fascination Day . This date, which is usually filled with actions linked to flora and vegetation in general, aims to make visible the importance of being able to study plants , valuing their contributions to the environment, their natural benefits and their usefulness for human beings and other species. In this context, to make a specific case visible as a reference, the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Rosario (Argentina) has shared details about the work they carry out with the aim of, once the genes that offer resistance in plantations have been identified of citrus fruits, to draw up biotechnological strategies that make it possible to control bacteria classified as phytopathogenic.
In contact with nature , the population even enters a state of gentle fascination , mental health experts maintain. Directing your attention to a landscape, concentrating on the exclusive sounds of the natural environment (from rain, birds, etc.) and leisurely walking along paths surrounded by trees, among other alternatives, relaxes the mind and improves mood.
From an early age, interest in reading must be encouraged to enhance children's imagination, instill cultural habits in them and make them discover the magic of books.
Trends and fascination
There are many elements in the world of fashion that fascinate women and men of multiple ages and nationalities. Some are fascinated by shoes, others are fascinated by bags or wallets and there are those who are deeply attracted to accessories.
At the same time, there are sources of fascination that end up setting trends . This has happened recently with the rise of perennial plants as more and more people with a fascination for gardening choose them to beautify their patios, balconies or terraces.
Old video games and pastimes, to add another example, have regained notoriety and have become a boom for young people as a result of the massive fascination with games from other times. Although technology has advanced a lot and innovation is the order of the day in terms of recreational developments, consoles and other cutting-edge devices, the sensation of playing Pac-Man , Tetris or other classics on retro equipment is incomparable.
Travel, finally, opens the door to adventures, discoveries and experiences that may or may not be subject to practices that are becoming popular, such as the growing interest in exotic food savored within the framework of a luxury gastronomic tour or the pleasure of observing the stars thanks to astrotourism , among other options.