ESC button we all press
Thoughts about escapism.
Ironing a mountain of laundry? You probably fire up a video of your favorite chef whipping up a dish you’ll never actually cook.
Soaking up the sunshine? You’re likely checking your phone to see what that famous actor is doing on set.
Stuck on a long drive? You might pass the time by listening to some random chatter on the radio.
We all have our little indulgences—those catchy tunes on the way to work, the TV series we binge-watch, or the concerts we go to for a break from reality. These are our diversions, our entertainment, that we dive into during "free time."
Our bodies are built to keep going, to live, but we’re all too aware of the mundane and trivial things we do daily. Thanks to technology, we don’t spend entire days doing laundry anymore, giving us more leisure time. This should be great for self-fulfillment and exploration, but often it just makes us feel aimless. The structures that used to dictate our lives are loosening, and in this newfound freedom, we often turn to escapism to fill the void.
Still, chasing a fulfilling life is something we all do. Whether you believe in a grand purpose or not, going after fulfillment undeniably feels better. It gives us direction and a reason to wake up each morning. Fulfillment is personal; it varies from person to person. For some, it’s in career achievements, for others in relationships, hobbies, or personal growth.
If you’ve achieved everything you set out to do, maybe it’s time to reinvent your goals. Life isn’t static; it’s always changing. If you’re satisfied with your achievements, it might be time to chase something new and exciting. This ongoing quest keeps life vibrant and meaningful.
Escapism isn’t inherently bad; it can be a necessary break, a way to recharge and rejuvenate your mind. But it shouldn’t replace meaningful engagement with life. There’s a risk of becoming dependent on escapist activities, like endless scrolling on social media or video game addiction, which can interfere with daily responsibilities.
A study on teens found that escapism, often used to cope with stress, can lead to increased internet addiction. This relationship called the Escapism-Addiction model, shows that higher levels of escapism correlate with more severe problematic internet use, especially when social media is used to ease emotional distress. Excessive escapism can lead to social withdrawal and isolation, reducing real-life interactions and support.
So, yeah, we all need escapism to deal with life’s challenges and the mundane reality, but it should be balanced with our pursuit of fulfilment.
Ps: Before you get back to work, thanks for reading this article as part of your escape.
“No live organism can continue for long to exist sanely under conditions of absolute reality.”
— Shirley Jackson
May the rest of your day feel meaningful and fulfilling and the screen time report at the end of the day — not overwhelming!
