The phenomenon you're referring to is known as "character identification" or "parasocial interaction." It occurs when individuals become deeply invested in a fictional character from a movie, TV show, book, or other media, to the point where they adopt aspects of that character's personality, behavior, or mannerisms into their own lives. There are several psychological factors that may contribute to this behavior:
Need for Identification and Belonging: Humans have an innate need to belong and connect with others. When we identify with a fictional character, we may feel a sense of belonging to a community of fans who share similar interests and emotional experiences.
Escapism and Fantasy: Media provides an escape from the pressures and realities of everyday life. By immersing themselves in a character's world, individuals can temporarily forget their own problems and concerns.
Mirror Neurons and Imitation: Mirror neurons in the brain play a role in imitating the actions of others. When we observe a character on-screen, these neurons may fire, leading us to mimic their behavior unconsciously.
Emotional Resonance: Engaging storytelling and well-developed characters can evoke strong emotional responses in viewers. If a character resonates with someone on a deep emotional level, they may seek to integrate that character's traits into their own personality.
Idealization: People may be drawn to characters they perceive as admirable, powerful, or possessing qualities they wish to have in themselves. They may use the character as a model for self-improvement.
Identification with Struggles: If a character goes through struggles and overcomes challenges that mirror the viewer's own experiences, the viewer may feel a stronger connection to the character, leading them to adopt elements of that character's personality.
Role Models and Guidance: In the absence of strong role models in real life, individuals may turn to fictional characters for guidance and inspiration, adopting their values and behaviors.
Lack of Identity or Dissatisfaction: Some individuals might have a weaker sense of self-identity or feel dissatisfied with their own lives. Adopting the persona of a fictional character could be a way to escape from these feelings and adopt a more exciting or fulfilling personality.
It's essential to note that character identification is a relatively common and generally harmless phenomenon for most people. It can even be a valuable source of inspiration and motivation in some cases. However, extreme cases where individuals completely lose touch with their own identity and struggle to differentiate between reality and fiction may require professional psychological intervention. If someone is experiencing distress or impairment due to this behavior, seeking the help of a mental health professional is advisable.