The sensation you are describing, where you feel a tickling feeling in your gut while witnessing a falling down situation, is likely due to a phenomenon known as "vicarious embarrassment" or "vicarious empathy." It is a form of emotional contagion, where you can experience emotions similar to what you observe happening to someone else, even in a fictional context like video games or TV shows. This response can be involuntary and is driven by our ability to empathize with others and understand their emotions.
Here's a basic explanation of the scientific reasons behind this sensation:
Mirror Neurons: Mirror neurons are specialized brain cells that activate both when we perform an action and when we observe someone else performing the same action. They play a crucial role in our ability to empathize and understand others' emotions by simulating their experiences in our own brains.
Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. When we witness a falling down situation in a video game or TV show, our brain may interpret it as a potential threat or danger to the character. As a result, we might experience a mild form of emotional distress, which can manifest as a tickling sensation in the gut.
Body-Mind Connection: Our gut, specifically the enteric nervous system, is often referred to as the "second brain" due to the bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain. Emotional experiences can trigger physiological responses in the gut, such as the sensation you described.
Overlapping Neural Circuits: The areas of the brain responsible for processing physical experiences and emotions are interconnected. As a result, when we see someone falling down, our brain may momentarily simulate the physical experience in our own bodies, leading to the tickling sensation.
It's important to note that vicarious embarrassment or empathy is a common and normal response. It shows that you have the capacity for empathy and emotional understanding. Many people experience similar sensations while watching emotionally charged scenes in movies, TV shows, or video games.
If you find this response too intense or uncomfortable, taking breaks during intense scenes or engaging in self-soothing activities can help regulate your emotions. Remember that it's a natural aspect of human psychology, and experiencing these emotions in a controlled and safe environment can contribute to a deeper sense of connection with the content you are engaging with.