Escape reality

People want to escape reality, because reality is too painful or nightmarish to emotionally/physically/mentally deal with in a functional way.

Reasons as to why each person wants this escape, whether it is escape from an unhealthy relationship, from a responsibility, from memories, or from unresolved conflict and grief from one's family of origin.

Sometimes a temporary escape from reality is healthy, although there is a risk of addiction or destruction to the method of escape from reality. Addiction and death provoke a cycle of painful reality to those around the person wanting to escape reality.

Knowing that escape is only temporary is imparative to everyone's health.

For many people, the world of video games is a perfect break from a reality filled with deadlines, stress and responsibilities. People play them because they are fun, interesting and a way to relax. Often, they are used to pursue certain passions. Sports fans love to play football and baseball video games. Many chess lovers who cannot find enough human opponents to compete with will play computer chess or even seek competition from online chess players.

Computer and video games are often used to help people focus on something other than life’s daunting problems. For a few fleeting moments, the players “lose themselves” in the games as they feel the bliss and release of being in control. They are in a virtual world that makes sense to them—a place where they can be whoever or whatever they choose, without worrying about how they look or act, and without having to deal with real-life problems.

For some, this escape is just a passing fascination—but for others, video games are much more.