Escapist TV, a popular stress-reliever, may not be the panacea we believe it to be. Experts shed light on the potential pitfalls of marathon-watching these shows as a coping mechanism, revealing how this seemingly harmless habit can sometimes backfire.
Escapist Media and Mental Health
Being taken away from this world and immersed in another is great in controlled doses, but too much time marathoning your favorite shows might make you more stressed in the long run
- Escapist media can be a coping mechanism that allows you to forget your own problems for a bit, but there’s a difference between using media to numb uncomfortable feelings and using an endless stream of media to avoid your emotions
How Escapist TV or Video Games Affect Your Mental Health
A December 2020 study published in Frontiers on Psychology found that escapist media during the pandemic was linked to poor mental health and higher stress.
- The more stressed out people were, the more they used Netflix marathons and hours of podcasts to avoid their problems – and, in turn, the less they felt they could cope with their issues.
How To Use Escapism To Help Your Mental Health
Be aware of why you are turning to certain kinds of shows or diversions
- Set aside time to process your feelings to make sure you are connecting with your emotional needs
- Reach out to a therapist if you feel like you are using media to numb your feelings
