Sonder

• In Event: Complex Emotions in Media-Psychology Research

Abstract

The word “sonder” is a coined term used to refer to the sudden realization that individuals who are normally seen as merely an anonymous “faces the crowd” are actually people with lives, concerns, joys, and sorrows as deep and meaningful as one’s own. In essence, it reflects a deep appreciation of and empathy for all of humanity, and how we all share common questions and ponderings. Media offerings can provide one entree into these sorts of compassionate and connected feelings through their depiction of human drama, tragedy, and sometimes comedy. This contribution will draw our attention to how media offerings serve to elicit these feelings of connectedness.

Author

• Mary Beth Oliver, Pennsylvania State U