All articles tagged with #escapism
The author advocates for 'friction-maxxing' in 2026, which involves intentionally embracing life's inconveniences and resisting the urge to escape into digital distractions, as a way to foster resilience, independence, and genuine human connection, especially in children.
The popularity of nonfiction books has declined in recent years, influenced by factors such as reader fatigue, competition from online content and podcasts, and a shift towards escapism and personal development genres. Despite a rise in audiobook sales and some subgenres remaining strong, the industry faces challenges in maintaining high-quality, impactful nonfiction amid risk aversion and changing media consumption habits.
People are using AI apps to create fake vacation and luxury lifestyle images as a form of escapism or manifestation, especially among lower-income users, with some apps promising but not delivering on realistic or immersive experiences.
The article argues that 'Sex and the City' is a valuable show for straight men because of its focus on female friendships, relationships, and escapism, highlighting its cultural significance and the importance of loyalty and connection among friends, especially in contrast to more male-centric or violent TV dramas.
On Election Day, many Americans are choosing to escape the political tension by heading to the movies. Films like "Venom: The Last Dance" and "Juror #2" are providing a temporary respite from the stress of the election, as people seek a break from the relentless news cycle. Moviegoers across the country are using cinema as a way to disconnect and find solace, even if just for a few hours, before returning to the reality of the election results.
Jimmy Buffett, the singer-songwriter known for his hit song "Margaritaville" and his empire of restaurants, resorts, and merchandise, has died at the age of 76. The song, released in 1977, became a cultural phenomenon and a state of mind for those seeking a carefree and relaxed lifestyle. Buffett's brand expanded to include restaurants, resorts, apparel, and more. Despite criticism from music critics, Buffett's loyal fanbase, known as "Parrotheads," embraced his music and his message of escapism. Buffett's legacy as a pioneer of beach bum soft rock and his impact on popular culture will be remembered.
"Hijack," a new thriller series on Apple TV+, stars Idris Elba as a professional negotiator caught in a tense air disaster. The show follows the unfolding drama on the plane and the efforts of law enforcement and politicians on the ground. The series subverts viewer expectations and explores the dynamics among the diverse group of passengers. While acknowledging the post-9/11 context, the show focuses on human handling of situations rather than being an action-packed hero story. Elba describes it as well-done escapism with compelling characters and clever storytelling.
Nintendo Australia's latest commercial for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has been praised for its positive portrayal of gaming as a form of escapism and entertainment. The ad shows a stressed businessman finding solace in the game, and has received widespread approval online. The game will be released on May 12 for Nintendo Switch.
Sludge content, a new form of experimental editing style, has become popular on TikTok and other parts of the internet. These videos offer split-screen looks at two or more unrelated sources, providing overstimulating and abstract chaos to viewers. While some users find it escapist and playful, others express concerns about declining attention spans and "brain rot." The origins of sludge content are unclear, but it is linked to an online tradition of repackaging recognizable bits of the internet.
Running as a means of escapism can lead to exercise dependence, which can have adverse effects on health. A new study explored the connection between running, well-being, and exercise dependence through the lens of escapism. The study found that self-suppression, or using running to avoid negative experiences, was much more strongly linked to exercise dependence than self-expansion, or using running to seek out positive experiences. Self-suppression was also negatively related to well-being, while self-expansion was positively related to it. The study suggests that understanding one's own motivation for running can be used for therapeutic reasons for individuals struggling with a maladaptive engagement in their activity.