[CmdrShep2154 (OP)]

I remember back in the late 2000s and early 2010s most people preferred reality TV, doctor soaps, and police procedurals.

Most of society saw fantasy as something only "people who live in basements" watched. The success of "Harry Potter" and "LOTR" greatly contributed to ending the stigma against fantasy but "Game of Thrones" blew the door wide open.

What do you think of fantasy and to a lessor extent sci fi becoming mainstream?

Is it a good thing or bad thing for society?

I have just gotten into "The Expanse" and it is one hell of an exciting mystery and action adventure. One part of the story have the bad guys infecting a space station with some sort of bioweapon. The bioweapon is this blue goo that uses humans to grow larger. The bad guys packed innocent people into fallout shelters and injected them with the virus through the guise of a "vaccine".

https://expanse.fandom.com/wiki/Protomolecule [nofollow]

 I used to think science fiction could be used to promote interest in science but could that type of "sci-fi" lead to distrust of science and vaccines? I already know one person who compares the COVID vaccine to the vaccine that turned people into zombies in the Will Smith movie "I Am Legend".

On the other hand Apple TV's "For All Mankind" has gotten me interested in space exploration and even space science. I didn't know space had stuff like "solar storms".

Should the TV show producers make an exciting space adventure show that sends the message that humanity will never reach it's full potential unless humanity embraces science?

[Origin]

What do you think of fantasy and to a lessor extent sci fi becoming mainstream?

I disagree that the popularity of science fiction and fantasy stories are somehow this new phenomena, so therefore the OP doesn't really make sense.

[Bored chemist]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fantasia_(1940_film)
seems to have done OK.

[Zer0]

Good or Bad is Debatable...
But it sure is getting Ugly.

Aliens travel billions, gazillions of miles just to fight with US.
What for, Land, Water & Cows?
🐮
(Too much Negativity)

I'm Not against Sci Fi Fantasy.
I Love It!!!

But it seems similar to the theorizing of a GOD All Mighty who shall ultimately save all of us.

Ps - Wish Individual actors playing super hero characters could have atleast sported face masks within the movies itself.
😷

[marklivin]

It seems to me that this is great, since many designers have been inspired by science fiction to create incredible inventions. I often write about this in my fiction and academic research, with the help of EduBirdie. Science fiction is truly a genre that can expand our minds and push us towards something new.

[olegmayami]

I think they're pretty good at developing our imagination and allowing us to think creatively. But what about IQ? Do they affect IQ levels? I don't even know what to answer that question.

[Origin]

I think they're pretty good at developing our imagination and allowing us to think creatively. But what about IQ? Do they affect IQ levels? I don't even know what to answer that question.

You'd know the answer if you didn't watch so much science fiction!  Just kidding, welcome to the forum.

[olegmayami]

I love science fiction, but I think it can mislead people about some things

[willamsjessica]

I think it depends on who you ask. Some people might see it as a good thing because it means that more people are exposed to and interested in these genres. Others might see it as a bad thing because it takes away the uniqueness or feeling of belonging that comes with being a fan of something that isn't as mainstream. Personally, I think it's a good thing because it means that more people are exposed to different stories and ideas, and that can only be a good thing.

[Zer0]

Personally, I think it's a good thing because it means that more people are exposed to different stories and ideas, and that can only be a good thing.

Yes, it is indeed Inspiring!
&
Welcome to the Forum.