Latest news with #emotionalhonesty
Gulf Business
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gulf Business
The case for human-centered storytelling in the digital age
Image: Supplied In an age of AI algorithms, viral TikTok clips, and virtual reality experiences, one truth remains: compelling storytelling runs on human emotion. Technology is transforming how we create and consume stories often at lightning speed but the heart of a great story still beats with a human pulse. As businesses and content creators embrace new tech, they face a critical balancing act: leveraging cutting-edge tools to enhance narratives while preserving the emotional core that makes stories meaningful. The timeless appeal of human connections Consider the enduring popularity of the TV series Friends . Thirty years after its 1994 debut, audiences around the world including a generation born long after the show ended are still laughing and crying with its cast. The premise was simple (centred around a bunch of friends in New York City), yet its impact was profound. Why? Because embedded in that simple premise was the entirety of human experience – the joys, sad moments, heartache and tragedies. The characters' relatable struggles with love, career, and friendship resonated deeply. No amount of high-tech production or flashy effects could replace the genuine camaraderie and emotional honesty that Friends delivered. This example highlights a key point: technology can enhance distribution (from VHS tapes to streaming apps) and fan engagement, but the reason we still binge-watch and quote Friends in 2025 is the human connection at its core. Short-form content: Speed versus soul Today's digital landscape is dominated by short-form content 15-second videos, bite-sized posts, fleeting Stories. Tech platforms have enabled creators to tell stories in quick, engaging bursts, reaching millions in an instant. Indeed, the rise of TikTok, Short-form video allows for creative storytelling, showcasing products or services, and building brand awareness within a few seconds. This presents a huge opportunity, and challenge. In a few scrolling seconds, a creator or brand must spark an emotional reaction or deliver a memorable message. The most successful short-form content isn't just technically clever; it feels authentic and relatable. A 10-second clip that tells a human story or makes someone feel seen will beat a polished but soulless advertisement. Technology can get your message in front of people faster than ever, but holding their attention requires a human touch. Even in 280 characters or a one-minute video, audiences respond to personal narratives, humor, empathy, and the distinctly human elements that no algorithm can generate on its own. Storytelling in professional communication Beyond entertainment, storytelling has become a prized skill in business and leadership. From marketing campaigns to internal memos, professionals are recognising that cold data and corporate jargon don't inspire people stories do. In fact, storytelling is now seen as essential for engaging all the key audiences a business cares about. In an era of information overload and rapid change, a clear narrative can cut through the noise, connecting with consumers, employees, and even investors on an emotional level. For example, tech leaders driving digital transformation often turn to storytelling to translate complex innovations into relatable visions. As observed in the market, the power of storytelling is that it creates an emotional connection to otherwise dry facts and figures. Painting a vivid picture of why a change matters and how it will impact people gives purpose to the technical details. Equally important is authenticity: audiences can sense when a message is just corporate-speak. An audience can quickly smell whether a storyteller is being genuine or not due to the 'Accessibility' of information these days and the 'Awareness' that the 'Accessibility' gives. Whether speaking to colleagues in the office or even with your friends at a coffeehouse, successful communicators blend professionalism with personal sincerity. The digital medium email, video conference, social media may be enabled by technology, but the message must come from real human insight. Especially in the Gulf's dynamic business environment, leaders who share stories of vision, challenges, and values tend to rally more trust and loyalty than those who only share spreadsheets. Immersive tools and the next chapter of storytelling (VR, AI and beyond) New technologies like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI) are opening exciting frontiers for storytelling. A VR documentary can put viewers inside an experience for instance, walking in someone else's shoes in a way traditional media never could. This 'immersive' quality can blur the line between storyteller and audience. Industry research finds that VR's unique ability to merge the audience into the story can evoke emotional responses 'much more powerful than any other storytelling medium that has come before'. A well-crafted VR experience, whether a training simulation or a marketing demo, isn't powerful simply because of 360-degree video or interactivity it's powerful because it makes the audience feel part of a narrative. Meanwhile, AI is emerging as a tool to generate content, personalize experiences, and aid creators in countless ways. From algorithms that recommend stories tailored to your interests, to AI assistants that help edit videos or even draft article outlines, these tools can boost efficiency and open up creative possibilities. But here a caution is critical: AI is a supporting actor, not the star. We must remember AI and tech expert Fei- Fei Li's words: 'Artificial intelligence is not a substitute for human intelligence; it is a tool to amplify human creativity and ingenuity.' In other words, AI can crunch data and suggest patterns, but it takes human imagination to decide what story needs to be told and why it matters. The World Economic Forum predicts that advances in AI and VR will enable storytellers to craft richer, more immersive narratives than ever before provided we wield these innovations thoughtfully. Even as we venture into virtual worlds and algorithm-assisted storylines, the fundamental ingredients of a resonant story (a meaningful theme, emotional arcs, relatable characters) remain as crucial as ever. Technology may add new layers and dimensions to storytelling, but it shouldn't strip away the humanity that ultimately makes a story worth experiencing. In the fast-changing media landscape, the winners will be those who master the art of marrying technology with humanity. Gadgets and algorithms will no doubt keep improving content will be crisper, delivery will be faster, immersion will feel deeper. But the storytellers and brands that stand out will be the ones who use these advancements to amplify human voices, not silence them. The Gulf region, with its youthful demographics and high digital adoption, is poised to lead in tech-driven media innovation. Yet our cultural heritage of oral storytelling and communal experience reminds us that at its core, storytelling is about human-to-human connection. The heartwarming friendships in Friends , or the inspiring vision of a leader rallying their company, all go down to emotions and relationships. As we forge ahead into the future of storytelling blending corporate professionalism with creative inspiration let's ensure that the narrative is always guided by human wisdom, empathy, and imagination. Technology can light the path, but the human heart will always be the compass. In striking that balance, we not only tell better stories we build lasting connections that no technology can replace. The writer is the CEO of On The Way Media Agency.
Forbes
21-05-2025
- Health
- Forbes
How Marvel's Thunderbolts Film Gets Mental Health and Messaging Right
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 28: (L-R) Louis D'Esposito, Co-President, Marvel Studios, Kevin Feige, ... More President, Marvel Studios, Jake Schreier, Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, David Harbour, Wyatt Russell, Hannah John-Kamen, Olga Kurylenko, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Lewis Pullman and Geraldine Viswanathan appear onstage during the World Premiere of Marvel Studios' "Thunderbolts*" at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on April 28, 2025. (Photo byfor Disney) Earlier this month, I sat in a theater with my teenage kids watching the latest Marvel film, 'Thunderbolts.' As fans of most Marvel movies, we expected action and entertainment; what we didn't expect was a masterclass in emotional honesty. The film's antiheroes find their strength not through superpowers, but through vulnerability, connection, and mutual support. The themes in 'Thunderbolts' – depression, grief, and healing through relationships –are not new. Just a few years ago, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a report titled 'Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation,' which stressed the health benefits of community and social connection. But the difference in reach between a Hollywood blockbuster and a government report is massive. And because of its cultural relevance and impactful storytelling, the movie is more likely to spark understanding and discussion – because while data informs, stories transform. Mental Health Awareness Month is a time for reflection and action. But despite increased visibility, traditional public health messaging often falls short in engaging the public and inspiring change. Reports and statistics are crucial, but they rarely move people to action. Too often, people working in scientific fields equate expertise with effectiveness. But knowing the facts is not the same as helping the public understand them. Being right is important, but it's not enough. 'Thunderbolts' offers a different approach. By portraying characters who openly grapple with their mental health challenges, the film invites audiences to empathize and reflect. This is the essence of narrative transportation – individuals become immersed in a story, leading to increased empathy and reduced resistance to new ideas. Research indicates that narratives can be more effective than factual arguments in changing attitudes and behaviors. A study published in Frontiers in Communication found that narratives are persuasive because they are easier to understand and can significantly impact an individual's attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. Public health has often lagged healthcare in leveraging storytelling. Medical dramas like 'ER' and 'Grey's Anatomy' have successfully incorporated health issues into their narratives, sometimes in collaboration with health organizations. 'ER,' which was on the air from 1994 to 2009, was a cultural touchstone for health literacy, addressing topics like HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, mental health, domestic violence, substance use and addiction, and health disparities. A 2019 episode of 'Grey's Anatomy' that addressed sexual assault heightened public awareness and led to a significant increase in calls to the hotline for RAINN (the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network). It's easier to find examples from medicine than from public health, which is why 'Thunderbolts' (and before that, 'Inside Out') stands out as rare and impactful. Media partnerships have the potential to spark conversations about these issues, and those opportunities are not limited to Hollywood movies. Not every organization can partner with a Hollywood studio, but there are many ways to harness the power of storytelling: 'Thunderbolts' is more than entertainment; it's a blueprint for how we can improve communication and outreach about mental health. By sharing stories of struggle and resilience, we can foster a culture that values openness and support. It's time for health advocates to move beyond the status quo and embrace storytelling not as an add-on, but as a central strategy for improving mental health.
Forbes
09-05-2025
- General
- Forbes
3 Signs Of The ‘Pet Name Trap' In Relationships — By A Psychologist
Sweet talk is often just a cover-up. Remember, cute nicknames and sugary words can't replace tough ... More talks. They should support real emotional honesty, not gloss over it. Pet names, ranging from 'baby' to 'honey' to 'my queen,' can convey warmth, reassurance and affection. They often serve as a private language between partners, symbolizing tenderness and familiarity. In emotionally healthy relationships, they add playfulness, regulate emotions and reinforce connection in a chaotic world. However, not all affectionate language is sincere. Sometimes, pet names function as emotional wallpaper, concealing underlying issues rather than addressing them. A pet name may evoke intimacy even when the emotional foundation is lacking, and it may sound affectionate despite underlying behaviors that are distant or dismissive. While the words suggest closeness, the experience may still feel isolating. This is how pet names become a trap — when terms of endearment shift from genuine affection to strategic tools. Used unconsciously, they may accelerate attachment. When used deliberately, they can deflect discomfort, shut down conflict or even reinforce control, all under the guise of affection. Here are three psychological dynamics that can manifest behind the 'sweetheart' and 'baby' labels, and how to recognize when affection is merely a smokescreen. Being called 'baby' or 'babe' early on in a relationship can feel comforting, but that sense of warmth can be misleading. In emotionally ambiguous situations like situationships or fast-moving flings, pet names can simulate intimacy before it's truly earned. Affectionate language triggers oxytocin, the brain's bonding hormone, which makes us feel emotionally close even in the absence of trust or consistency. You may start to feel attached to someone who's never actually shown you their emotional world. Additionally, a recent study on breadcrumbing — a behavior where someone sends flirtatious but non-committal signals — found strong links to insecure attachment. The findings revealed that anxiously attached individuals used emotional language to seek closeness, whereas avoidantly attached people used similar cues to mimic connection while keeping real vulnerability at bay. Pet names can work in the same way. For the anxious, they're a shortcut to soothe fear. For the avoidant, they're a shield to avoid depth. While the words may sound loving, the intent behind them can vary greatly. To break this illusion, ask yourself: Pet names can sometimes be used to dismiss rather than forming deep connections. Instead of engaging with your concerns, a partner might respond with: These responses may sound affectionate, but they can make you feel like you're overreacting for even bringing something up. Essentially, they minimize your emotions and shift the focus away from the issue. This is a form of emotional infantilization — treating you as if you're too irrational or fragile to be taken seriously. A large-scale 2022 study published in Motivation and Emotion found that this kind of infantilization, especially when wrapped in affectionate language, was the strongest predictor of negative mental health outcomes, including depression, anger and loss of control. When pet names are used to avoid emotional accountability, they don't soothe. Instead, they silence you. So, before giving in to a seemingly affectionate moment, ask yourself: Real intimacy allows room for truth, even when it's uncomfortable. It doesn't gently erase it. Pet names can sometimes be used to deflect the real issue rather than resolve it. After a conflict, instead of addressing the issue, there might be a flood of endearments: These words may sound sweet, but they often act as emotional distractions, soothing the partner's discomfort rather than engaging with the issue at hand. This is also called emotional appeasement — using affection to avoid emotional responsibility. A 2024 study published in Affective Science on emotion regulation reveals that when people experience discomfort, they often rely on linguistic strategies to psychologically distance themselves from the issue, such as avoiding the use of 'I' and present-tense verbs, or adopting more abstract language. This shift towards psychological distancing can help regulate emotions but also prevents deeper engagement with the problem. Similarly, opting for pet names after conflict can mask discomfort without actually resolving the tension, keeping relationship challenges unaddressed. So, while pet names may provide temporary emotional relief, they can sidestep the deeper work required to build genuine intimacy. Here's a check-in you need to do for yourself in such a scenario: True intimacy isn't about using affection to buy peace, but about doing the hard work of addressing and understanding your issues as partners. Not all pet names are manipulative. In fact, in emotionally healthy relationships, they often reflect genuine affection and tenderness and can even help de-escalate tension. The key difference lies in intention and timing. In safe partnerships: Remember, healthy pet names amplify intimacy. Unhealthy ones artificially simulate it. If you find yourself constantly soothed, but rarely understood — pause. Next time when you hear 'baby' or 'my love,' ask yourself: Is this name being used to draw me closer or to steer me away from something uncomfortable? Pet names can be love, but love without honesty is just sugar without substance. Do you and your partner really tune in to each other's emotions? Take the Active-Empathic Listening Scale to find out if your conversations are as connected as they should be.
