There is this definition: “Escapism is one of the most frequently reported motives for engaging in media use. It is a complex phenomenon that involves specific motivations, cognitions, emotional states, media choices, media use periods, and short‐term as well as long‐term consequences”.
But to escape means “to break free from confinement or control”.
If one needs to escape from his life to some social media platforms is similar with being kidnapped and trying to break free.
At least that is the first thing when I hear the word “escape”.
Now, if one needs to escape in this way from his own life, his entire life is questionable.
Because guess what… at one point he will return to THIS and ONLY actual life.
And arising from the first definition: what will then be his emotional states?
Anything left to repair?
My take on this is that platforms that some consider to be part of escapism like Pinterest or Reddit are in fact platforms for inspiration.
Maybe the world needed a more fancy world to define inspiration and they baptised it as “escapism”.
But no, when I need to immerse myself in others flows of creativity I go to social media, as much as I go to books or take a walk.
But I wouldn’t consider walking or reading escapism.
Sometimes people feel the need to over complicate life.
Put a tag on everything, always finding the “why” with mathematical precision, trying to find remedies for boredom.
When hey, some of the greatest artists will say inspiration came in pure boredom moments, and yet not in fancy escapism activities.
It’s amazing how simple it is: social media: use it, get inspired while fully anchored in your own reality, and dispense it afterwards in a healthy, non addictive way.
Andreea Radu 