Transportation Theory

Narrative transportation theory is a framework for understanding how media experiences can influence a viewer. The central idea of transportation theory is that individuals can be “transported” into a narrative world, becoming mentally immersed in the world of the story. When individuals are transported into a narrative, they are more likely to change their real-world beliefs and behaviors to match those suggested by the story. Transportation theory suggests several mechanisms to account for this attitude change: reducing counterarguing, creating connections with characters, heightening perceptions of realism, and emotional engagement. The effects of violent media (e.g., arousal, aggression) may be heightened for individuals who are more deeply transported into a story. This entry defines transportation into narrative worlds, describes research on transportation, and discusses how transportation ...