Are readers *really* more empathetic?

I really wanted to dig into the idea that "fiction readers are more empathetic." We've heard it for years, but how true is it, and how robust is the research surrounding it? And does it even matter? Tell me your thoughts below! References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1I... Chapters 00:00 - Research questions 01:53 - Defining empathy 02:55 - The research 10:15 - Anecdotal evidence 12:56 - Empathy and cinema/video games 15:20 - Art is important Socials www.instagram.com/bookborn.reviews