Does reading Fiction Stories&work have any positive effect/influence on an Individual ?

Just as the title says is Reading Fiction be it in any form Chinese Fantasy novels, Comics or Japanese Manga, lightnovel etc or western Fantasy Novels and books.

I have seen those who read Fictional stories being stereotyped as weird, weebs etc Who no one wants anything to do with.

Personally I have liked reading korean Fictional novels and comics (Manhwa) the most but I haven't really told anyone as I am afraid it will be used against me and I have been feeling guilty for liking it so much.

Is reading Fiction just a waste of time ?