A new study reveals that whenever a person watches a movie, their brain performs a complex function. Researchers have reported that brain scans show that 24 different brain networks are engaged during a film, and this depends on the movie itself and how difficult or easy it is to understand scene by scene.
The brain has networks known as the executive control network. These areas are related to planning, problem-solving, and prioritizing information. When watching a film, these networks are active when the content of the movie is harder or more ambiguous to understand. However, during scenes that are easier to comprehend, the brain begins to function in other specific regions.
Lead researcher and research scientist Dr. Reza Rajimehr at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) stated that executive control domains are usually activated during challenging tasks when it is more difficult to understand things cognitively.
He explained that when scenes in a film are easier to understand, such as when there is clear dialogue, brain areas related to language are activated. However, in scenes where the meaning of the visuals involves context, interpretation, and ambiguity, more cognitive activity is required, and the brain shifts to use general executive control domains.
