The ideal world is in our heads: Understanding escapism

Escapism — is a psychological mechanism that consists of a person's conscious or subconscious desire to distance themselves from real problems, responsibilities or negative emotions. It is an escape from reality that can manifest itself in various forms of — from harmless hobbies to destructive addictions.

Escapism allows you to temporarily transfer to another, more pleasant or manageable world to avoid stress. However, if it becomes the only way to respond to difficulties, it can become a problem.

The term comes from the English word «escape» — escape. Its origin is closely related to the criticism of culture and society in the late XIX — and early XX century.

The concept was first used in the biography of the poet John Keats to describe his desire to immerse himself in the world of art and poetry, distancing himself from the cruel reality. However, the term came into widespread use later, along with the development of the popular culture of — movies, radio and cheap books. Sociologists and philosophers have begun to discuss how these new forms of entertainment affect society, whether they are simply a tool for escaping from reality.

Today, the term «escapism» is used in various fields. In psychology, escapism is considered as a mechanism of psychological protection. It is a way in which a person unconsciously avoids stress, injury or problems by immersing himself in a more pleasant activity. Psychologists study when escapism is healthy (as a way to relax) and when it becomes a pathology (as an addiction).

Sociologists are investigating how societal change can increase escapism in society. For example, the growing popularity of online games and social networks is seen as a form of mass escapism from the realities of everyday life.

Philosophers discuss the moral aspects of escapism. Some believe it is a natural mechanism to help a person take a break from life's hardships, while others criticize it as a denial of responsibility and a refusal to actively participate in public life.

In art and literature, the term is used to describe works that create imaginary worlds that differ from reality. For example, fantasy and science fiction are often considered escapist genres. Literary critics analyze whether such art helps to expand consciousness or simply distracts from important problems.

Types of escapism can be classified by where or how a person flees from reality. Its main types can be divided into positive and negative.

These species are healthy and help to regain strength without harming life.

Creative escapism — this is an immersion in creativity: drawing, music, writing, dancing, needlework.

Intellectual escapism — it is an escape into the world of knowledge: reading books, learning languages, watching scientific documentaries, solving puzzles.

Physical escapism — it is a change of environment or active activity that helps to distract yourself. This includes travel, hiking, sports, yoga.

Social escapism — it is an immersion in social interactions that differ from everyday ones. For example, attending parties, communicating with new people.

These species become addicted and destroy human life.

Chemical escapism — it is an escape by means of psychoactive substances such as alcohol, drugs or even excessive consumption of medicines. It is the most dangerous species because it is addictive and has serious health consequences.

Digital escapism — it's an excessive immersion in video games, social networks, virtual worlds or the Internet in general.

Behavioral escapism — it is an addiction to certain behaviors that help avoid reality. For example, workaholism (when a person runs away from problems in the family by immersing himself in work), shopaholism (uncontrolled shopping) or gambling (gambling).

Emotional escapism — it is a constant search for new relationships to avoid solving problems in existing ones, or fantasizing about an ideal life instead of building it.

The main difference between positive and negative escapism — is the consequences. The positive helps to recover and return to reality with new forces, while the negative makes a person dependent and prevents him from living fully.

Philosophers, sociologists and writers interpreted the escape from reality in different ways.

In his work «Utopia» (1516), he created an idealized, non-existent island where a perfect social order reigns. He wrote it in an era of deep social upheaval and injustice in England. Its idealized island was in direct contrast to realities where people suffered from poverty and cruel laws.

In Rousseau's philosophy, the idea of «returning to nature» was a reaction to the rigid social norms and limitations of the Enlightenment, which he believed distanced man from his true essence. He believed that humanity, developing civilization, lost its natural innocence and happiness. His call to a life not burdened by social conventions can be considered as a philosophical escape from the complexities of the modern world.

Marx's concept «religia as an opium for the people» it arose in the context of the industrial revolution, when workers lived in terrible conditions. He argued that religion served for the oppressed masses as a means of distracting from their suffering in the real world. Instead of fighting for their rights, people seek comfort in the promises of the afterlife.

In the dystopian novel «Beautiful New World» (1932) Huxley portrayed a society in which people consciously use the drug «soma» to escape emotions and problems. It is one of the most famous literary examples of escapism, showing how society can use artificial means to control emotions and avoid conflicts.

History shows that people have always looked for ways to move away from cruelty and problems.