Imaginary worlds are extremely successful. The most popular fictions produced in the last
few decades contain such a fictional world. They can be found in all fictional media, from …

In addition to satisfying a predisposition for exploration, fiction with imaginary worlds may
also appeal to morbid curiosity, an adaptive motivation to seek out information about …

Many studies argue that synchronized movement increases prosocial attitudes and
behavior. We reviewed meta-analytic evidence that reported effects of synchrony may be …

We received several commentaries both challenging and supporting our hypothesis. We
thank the commentators for their thoughtful contributions, bringing together alternative …

Characterizing the cultural evolution of imaginary worlds as a hedonic but non-adaptive
exaptation from evolved exploratory tendencies, Dubourg and Baumard defend too narrow a …

Imaginary worlds allow us to safely develop, crystallize, and criticize our moral values—at
times even serving as catalysts for change in the real world. Fans of imaginary worlds …

Dubourg and Baurmard ask why people consume fiction with imaginary worlds. We extend
this inquiry to ask why people engage in creating imaginary worlds. In Fanfiction, the writing …

Dubourg and Baumard mention a potential role for the human drive to systemise as a factor
motivating interest in imaginary worlds. Given that hyperexpression of this trait has been …

We support the idea of applying cultural evolution theory to the study of storytelling, and
fiction in particular. However, we suggest that a more plausible link between real and …

Dubourg and Baumard (2021) posited that the key reason for the popularity and enduring
appeal of imaginary worlds is that they" tap into preferences for exploration" and do so …