Bookworms versus nerds: Exposure to fiction versus non-fiction, divergent associations with social ability, and the simulation of fictional social worlds

This study investigates how exposure to fiction and non-fiction correlates with social abilities like empathy and theory of mind. Using measures like the Author Recognition Test and empathy tasks, researchers found that reading fiction enhances social skills, possibly due to simulating social experiences within narratives. In contrast, heavy non-fiction reading showed weaker or even negative correlations with social abilities. These findings suggest that fiction may uniquely train social cognition by engaging readers in understanding characters' mental states, unlike non-fiction texts.

To improve social skills and empathy, include more fiction in your reading habits, as it promotes theory of mind and understanding of others. This study shows strong correlations but does not establish causation, so complement fiction reading with direct social interactions and emotional exercises. A balanced reading habit combining fiction for social cognition and non-fiction for informational gain ensures broader intellectual and emotional development.