Why losing Kobe Bryant felt like losing a family or friend?
A basketball player named Kobe Bryant died on January 26. He died in a helicopter crash(直升机坠毁). His 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, also died in the crash, along with seven others.
People were very sad about it. This happened even if they had not met him. How do people feel sad over a stranger? Why do they think of Mr. Bryant as family? As a scientist, I am not surprised. I see why his death hurt some people.
⒈Social Media Keeps Us Close
Scientists have looked at how people form ties with other people. These can be people we have not met. Still, we feel close to them. Many people are on social media. They follow celebrities(名人) online. They see the good and bad times of famous people. Fans can feel close to the people they follow on social media. Mr. Bryant had many followers online. He had many fans.
⒉It Shouldn't Have Happened That Way
Mr. Bryant's death seemed extra sad. This can make people think “what if” thoughts. When we see ways to fix something, it can bring strong feelings. We might say, “If it had been a clear day, Kobe would still be alive.” We feel like it should not have happened that way, it is hard for us to believe the truth.
⒊Thinking About Our Lives
Our feelings may be about ourselves. Many people felt like they had gotten to know Mr. Bryant. They watched him play basketball on TV. His death was sad. Thinking about dying can scare us. We want to give our lives meaning. We get together with loved ones. Mr. Bryant's death was a reminder. It reminds us that life is short.
