How books shape and influence our brain chemistry.

It’s fascinating to see how much attention certain books on platforms like TikTok and BookTok are getting, especially those that explore intense and unhealthy relationships. Why are so many people drawn to these portrayals of love? From a psychological perspective, it could be that individuals with unresolved attachment issues might be subconsciously attracted to fictional relationships that reflect their emotional needs, like a deep desire for validation or the feeling of being intensely loved or “claimed.” In the real world, healthy relationships are built on mutual respect, trust and consent. It's important to recognize that the media and fiction we consume has a significant influence on our subconscious even if we know they're not a representation of reality. Our subconscious mind plays a huge role in guiding our emotions and behaviors often without us realizing it. Ever heard someone say, “I don’t know why I did that, I just did?” That’s their subconscious calling the shots. What’s interesting is that sometimes, a truly healthy relationship might feel off simply because it doesn’t have the dramatic tension or psychological reactance we’ve come to crave from fiction.

I’m not trying to call anyone out or criticize the books you enjoy, but I do wish more people understood the power of the subconscious.