By: Kelsey Wooten, LPC
My mom has religiously watched the soap opera Young and the Restless since it came out in 1973. When I got off the school bus and came in for a snack she would be in her spot on the couch, engrossed in the drama. Before the era of streaming, there was DVR. Back in the day she would record them on VHS – that’s commitment.
Stories are a way for us to escape from our own reality for a little while; this is called escapism. Escapism from the Oxford dictionary is “the tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities, especially by seeking entertainment or engaging in fantasy.”
These stories can also give us a sense of community. We connect with others who have read the book, played the game, watched the series or movie. From major comic con events to talking over coffee. We ask each other questions and want to know others’ viewpoints.
What house are you?
What superhero would you be?
Team Peeta or Gale?
What would you do if there were zombies or dragons?
Who do you love or hate on The bachelor / bachelorette
What office character are you?
Did you take that buzzfeed quiz?
Life can be boring, monotonous, stressful, and overwhelming. Fantasy/fiction allows us to get lost in the story line or characters, thinking about who we would be or what we would do in that world. Fiction allows us to be creative in a safe way and use our imagination. We can learn from a character’s perspective or struggle. It teaches us empathy. It also provides comfort. Do you ever have a movie, show or book you get into over and over again?
Using TV, film, games, and books as a way to escape is a coping skill, on a spectrum. It can also become a problem if someone spends too much time not being an active player in their own lives, and working on their own problems. It’s important to monitor your use from time to time, and cut back or talk to someone if it’s becoming a problem.