Escapism, defined as the tendency of individuals to seek out entertainment and distraction from the stresses and challenges of everyday life, can be found in various forms of media content, such as books, films, TV shows, and video games (Kahn, Shen, & Lu, 2013). For example, J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series provides readers with a fantastical world filled with magic and adventure, while J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy offers a world of heroes and villains that is far removed from the mundane realities of daily life. In video games, players can immerse themselves in virtual worlds, such as Minecraft, where they can build and explore without the constraints of the real world.
While escapism can provide individuals with a sense of relaxation and relief, it can also have negative effects. One criticism of escapism is that it can be a form of avoidance behavior, whereby individuals use media content to escape from their problems rather than confronting them directly (Rubin, 2002). This can result in a lack of productivity and avoidance of real-life responsibilities. Another criticism of escapism is that it can create unrealistic expectations and a false sense of reality. For instance, some individuals may come to expect the same level of excitement and adventure in their real lives that they experience in the media they consume, which can lead to dissatisfaction and disappointment with their real-life experiences (Zillmann, 2000).
Despite these criticisms, escapism can have positive effects on individuals. It can provide a form of mental relaxation and reduce stress levels (Kahn, Shen, & Lu, 2013). It can also foster a sense of community among individuals who share a love for a particular book, film, or video game.
In conclusion, while escapism in media content can provide individuals with a sense of relief and comfort from the pressures of everyday life, it is important to be aware of its potential negative effects, such as avoidance behavior and unrealistic expectations (Rubin, 2002). Individuals should strive to find a balance between their media consumption and real-life responsibilities.
References:
Kahn, A. S., Shen, C., & Lu, L. (2013). Effects of social media use on relationship satisfaction. Journal of Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 16(6), 370-377.
Rubin, A. M. (2002). The uses-and-gratifications perspective of media effects. In J. Bryant & D. Zillmann (Eds.), Media effects: Advances in theory and research (2nd ed., pp. 525-548). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Zillmann, D. (2000). Influence of unrestrained access to erotica on adolescents’ and young adults’ dispositions toward sexuality. Journal of Adolescent Health, 27(2), 41-44