Can Escapism Be Good for Us?

What Happens Next?

27.10.23
What Happens Next?
Can Escapism Be Good for Us? | 91

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Content warning: This episode contains drug references. To skip them, jump ahead to 08:04.

Whether through television, books, games, films or music, escapism serves as a crucial element of the human experience.

This week, Dr Susan Carland and her expert guests explore different forms of escapism, from pseudo-nostalgia, to live action role-playing and video games, to reality TV.

Author Michael W Clune makes a vital distinction between healthy escapism and addiction.

Monash University Business School Associate Professor Davide Orazi explains the appeal of pseudo-nostalgia and live action role-playing.

Cultural critic Dr Clem Bastow discusses the ways we can use escapism to learn about ourselves.

Monash Arts lecturer Dr Whitney Monaghan argues that we bring our full selves into our interactions with media. Are we really escaping anything after all?

A full transcript of this episode is available on Monash Lens.

Learn more:

• When worlds collide: What happens when you return from an extraordinary experience?
• Game on: Unravelling the bright and dark sides of online gaming
• How video games can promote empathic learning in children

“What Happens Next?” will be back next week with an all-new topic.

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