Escapism has increased as people face constant stressors like continuous news, climate anxiety, and financial pressure. Many use media and fantasies to seek temporary relief when feeling powerless. Short-term, deliberate escapes—reading, creative hobbies, or planning—can reduce stress and restore mental clarity. Relying primarily on unproductive escapes such as doomscrolling or binge-watching promotes numbness, heightens anxiety, and impedes emotional processing. Survey data show high rates of overwhelm and frequent media avoidance. Healthy coping involves moderation and intentional activities that refresh rather than replace emotional work; habitual avoidance prevents healing and worsens mental well-being.
There's no doubt about it, the world is feeling like a lot lately. From 24/7 news alerts to climate anxiety, financial pressure, and a constant stream of bad takes on the internet, it's no surprise that many of us are looking for the exits. More and more, many of us are seeking ways to escape and break free from the constant barrage of noise.
When we feel powerless to change our circumstances, our brains look for relief. That relief might come from reading a trashy romance, planning a dream vacation we may never take, or scrolling on TikTok for hours on end. In moderation, this kind of mental detour can give you the space you need to decompress. The problem is when escaping becomes the only way you know how to cope.
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