It’s a bird… It’s a plane… It’s super me

Published on 31/01/2013 01:45

Acting the part of a superhero appears to encourage some individuals to behave like one in real life.

Scientists at Stanford University in the US created a virtual reality environment, in which volunteers had the ability to fly through the air like Superman or rode as passengers in a helicopter.

Using their alter egos, both groups were then assigned one of two tasks and regardless of what task they were given, those with Superman powers showed a tendency to be more helpful after returning to the “real” world.

Dr Robin Rosenberg, said: Because the participants were given a superhuman ability , their helping behaviour may have been opened.”