Are Video Games An Escape From Reality?
This has been on my mind a lot lately. There are a few different angles on how to approach this question, though I will approach it from a way which is more appealing and relative to myself.
There have been times in my life where gaming literally overrun any other activity that was available. That was some years back, when I didn't really see anything else as a form of entertainment or simply as a time-consumer. I didn't view this as a problem, as gaming was my safe-zone, meaning it felt more comfortable than any other activity. Only some time later I started viewing this as a problem - something that took away a lot of potential towards the improvement of my real life.
It's not as severe as the picture above, of course. Though I'm sure for some it may be relatively close.
Sticking to the topic, are video games an escape from reality?
In my case, yes. Video games were definitely an escape from reality. If we were to go deeper, they were an escape from the stress induced by reality. Every one of us has experienced or are experiencing the stress and unease caused by the real world. I sought out gaming as a different universe where all my problems melted away - in fact, they were nonexistent, because I made them so. Well, better said, gaming made it so.
Though I never got it through my head that you can't run away from certain things, especially reality. We will all eventually have to face the thing we're escaping. There's just no other way around it. In fact, gaming is just one of the things which help escape reality. It's certainly better than something like alcohol, right?
I'm sure there are lots of you out there who delve in the gaming waters not only to seek entertainment, but it's the safest place for you to not feel the stress caused by reality. And to be honest, it's really up to you if you view it as a problem. I did see it as a problem, because I did not want it to melt away the time which I could spend on doing something more worthwhile. See, it's a preference. I did not want to regret it in the future, so I made choices that I deemed positive.
So to answer the question, yes. Video games are in fact an escape from reality, but only for those who see it that way. It's all in our minds and we make it the way we want it to be. Some do it for fun, some do it for relaxation and other reasons.
I'm sure there are lots to talk about and I'm interested in your opinions. Thank you for reading!
I have quit 1 dead end job and been fired from another escaping reality using video games. Why would I go to work and be unappreciated when I could pick up the controller and resume my duties as a successful mage on a quest with other like minded individuals?
"So to answer the question, yes. Video games are in fact an escape from reality, but only for those who see it that way. "
I agree this statement, it is allow the player's attitude towards to game, not the game itself. You can always take anything as your own escape of the real world.
That made me smile :D If only you got paid for being a powerful mage, am I right?
Oh, if only! I have no doubt that one day in the not too distant future that it will be a viable possibility.
Well I'll definitely be a mage then :)
They are a good shelter, yes :D
Do you view it as a problem, though? :)
I'm sure almost anything can become an "escape from reality". Whether it's gaming, sports, books or even work for some people. It's always about moderation.
Great post ! Would you mind if I included it in todays "best of gaming"?
Yeah, I agree with you. Just chose video games as they were my escape once :)
Thanks, I wouldn't mind.
Stardew Valley was my ultra escape from reality :'D It was so peaceful compared to the stress of life , and I maybe got slightly addicted (oops).
Yes, certain video games were also peace bringers for me as well. It gets very comfortable and you don't really want to leave!
Once again @cheaky - a brilliant post! You're one of the favorite profiles that I follow!
I do feel like gaming can be an awesome escape from the mundine tasks, day to day life can bring.
I've always loved the awe aspiring environments and stories i come across, you just can't beat gaming!
Check out a few of my recent gaming posts! I posts a couple of great ones that didn't the the attention the deserve haha!
Thank you for the kind words!
Some escape in it yes , like others escape in tv or film . some go even deeper . Humans have stronge urge to idolize things .
I did a whole lot of gaming , stil do some , i like the challenge and worlds i get to fisit. To me it's no escape , just entertainment that has some cool interaction ad ons .
Yeah, every person sees it differently. You're right that people turn to various options of escaping. Gaming was one of mine.
So yeah , who are we to judge ? we al want to be free and happy , even more when we ain't .
Or think we are not ;-) . it's just human .
Oh those are some great words man :)
Accepting that being happy is a emotion that comes and goes .
That free is resricted by laws of society , if i like it or not .
To survive is to adapt . Some virtual gaming to escape , be entertained .is never a bad thing to do , to balance some negativ emotions .
Making it your 1 goal or obsesion can destroy a lot other aspects in live that needed attention . And yes,to get lost at gaming happens easyer as some other adictions like sports and outdoor hobby , gaming is a 24-7 accesseble thing add is very populair . And old text's hold a lot of wise words that at least make you question yourself , a bit ;-)
Paece all
Thank you for writing this.
If the escape becomes a compulsive behaviour that affects other areas of your life negatively, it indicates a problem.
But in that scenario it is best to ask not "why the addiction?" but "why the pain?"
This short piece by the psychologist Gabor Maté talks about substances but can be applied to any compulsive behaviour, including gaming.
I used to game compulsively as a teenager because it felt like the only thing in my life that demonstrated my value. Now I'm a lot happier with who I am, I game more as recreation, although I did just spend this whole family weekend away thinking about Overwatch