https://padlet.com/gcatalano20231/h7kenr4kqyc32w1k Since the outbreak of COVID in 2020, how has escapism evolved through different forms of media? en-us 2023-05-03 17:53:15 UTC 2023-05-16 15:26:10 UTC hello@padlet.com gcatalano20231 https://padlet.com/gcatalano20231/h7kenr4kqyc32w1k/wish/2581984936 This source provides information on escapism through science fiction while also showing us how sales of this genre have risen significantly during the pandemic. It mostly sheds light on science fiction's role in escapism and how it has become a tool for those who wish to escape reality.

- There has been a multitude of sales in science fiction literature (urban and supernatural fantasy are the strongest selling genre).

- These sales started rising post 9/11 and this continues to be true.

- Seale Ballenger, v-p of publicity fir Scholastic Trade Publishing, states that their has been a trend towards escapism.

- Science fiction enjoyers typically reach for books containing realistic world connections that mirror personal experiences.

- Some readers want to indulge in stories that depict inspiring tales of heroism.]]> 2023-05-08 12:41:22 UTC https://padlet.com/gcatalano20231/h7kenr4kqyc32w1k/wish/2581984936 gcatalano20231 https://padlet.com/gcatalano20231/h7kenr4kqyc32w1k/wish/2582201475 - Coming of Age/Sci-Fi

- 1968 Chicago - centers around 10 year old Karen Reyes

- Karen's neighbor, Anka Silverberg is found dead in her bed. The death is ruled suicide, but Karen belives otherwise.

- Karen decided to take the case in her own hands. She listens to adult conversations, observes her neighbors, and uses her pre-existing knowledge to formulate clues.

- She is also being bullied at school for her interest in horror, as well as her diverse background.

- Many events take place during this time; MLK, Vietnam war, as well as memories from the Holocaust.

- Karen escapes her world using art and her love of horror. 

- The graphic novel is made as if it were her journal, so the pages inspired my driving question. We get to see Karen's inner and outer thoughts while also witnessing her ability to almost disconnect from reality.]]> 2023-05-08 14:52:28 UTC https://padlet.com/gcatalano20231/h7kenr4kqyc32w1k/wish/2582201475 gcatalano20231 https://padlet.com/gcatalano20231/h7kenr4kqyc32w1k/wish/2583919917 In the image above, the graph represents video game usage before and after lockdown. It is shown that there has been a significant increase in playing video games after COVID unleashed its damaging impact on society, keeping people in isolation and stress.

- 71.3% of people reported that the time they spend playing video games had changed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

- The respondents’ demonstrate an obvious shift towards increased frequency of  gameplay habits before and after the COVID-19 outbreak.

- Video games have become a source of escapism for many people through the pandemic. The ability to pursue diverse experiences and mindsets has been extremely valuable while being stuck inside.

- Some respondents' explain: "I would have really struggled without the distraction" (P79); "Provide a good distraction from everything going on" (P170); "Definitely had a positive impact. It’s allowed me to escape from reality for a time"(P197); "Games provide an escape from the world for a limited time. They create a distraction from everything and also it is good exercise for the brain" (P310)."

]]> 2023-05-09 14:28:55 UTC https://padlet.com/gcatalano20231/h7kenr4kqyc32w1k/wish/2583919917 gcatalano20231 https://padlet.com/gcatalano20231/h7kenr4kqyc32w1k/wish/2587225827 This essay highlights media usage and how people use the internet to escape reality. It offers us a study of an experiment conducted to see the amount of adolescences that used different forms of media.

- Procedure showed significant relationship between internet use, social media use, and gaming "addiction."

- Showed significant positively correlated scores of loneliness and depression.

- This compulsive usage of the internet is of cause of COVID-19, as many adolescents used media outlets to escape the depressive nature of the pandemic.

- Many people relied on maladaptive coping strategies to manage anxiety and depression.

- I connected this to my essential questions as, throughout the outbreak of the virus, people found solace in social media platforms. 

- This was proven in the drastic increase of social media usage (around 50%).


]]> 2023-05-11 13:41:22 UTC https://padlet.com/gcatalano20231/h7kenr4kqyc32w1k/wish/2587225827 gcatalano20231 https://padlet.com/gcatalano20231/h7kenr4kqyc32w1k/wish/2588713045 The attached article addresses the increase of science fiction sales during COVID, while also providing us statistical values.

 - Sci-Fi books generated $590.2 million in the United States.

- Sci-Fi sales in comic books increased by 8.3% in 2021 compared to 2020.

- Sales in the United Kingdom were 23% higher in 2021 than in 2020.

- Science fiction and fantasy have the highest percentage of audiobook sales of any genre.

]]> 2023-05-12 13:34:55 UTC https://padlet.com/gcatalano20231/h7kenr4kqyc32w1k/wish/2588713045 gcatalano20231 https://padlet.com/gcatalano20231/h7kenr4kqyc32w1k/wish/2589037753 In this article, we understand more about escapism while also learning about avoidance. Avoidance is the result of dangerous escapism and this source touches on its risks and how to steer clear from it

- Taking a step back from reality is a very effective way of coping with life’s hardships. 

- Escapism can help to prevent burn out. It reduces  stress and can increase one's feelings of mental and psychological strength. 

- Escapism is a big factor in how we take care of ourselves. However, we must be careful about how far escapism goes. When escapism goes too far it can be damaging to our  relationships, our mental health, and even our jobs. 

- It’s important to note that escapism is used as a tool to help refuel rather than to persistently avoid life and stressors that need addressing]]> 2023-05-12 18:06:48 UTC https://padlet.com/gcatalano20231/h7kenr4kqyc32w1k/wish/2589037753 gcatalano20231 https://padlet.com/gcatalano20231/h7kenr4kqyc32w1k/wish/2593265815 This article touches on nostalgia and its relation to escapism during the pandemic. It effectively demonstrates peoples efforts to escape COVID's social stress by finding comfort in nostalgic media, like movies or music.

- Media can make people experiance a sense of nostalgia. Many users tend to consume nostalgia-inducing media in times of need.

- A cross-sectional study was conducted during lockdown in Germany around COVID's peak in April-May 2020. 

- 534 participants were asked about their current levels of stress, fear of isolation, nostalgic media usage, and escapism.

- The findings demonstrate that nostalgic media usage was positively correlated with fear of isolation. 

- Respondents typically used movies, songs, series, games, and personal photos to become nostalgic. 

- The results indicate that people use nostalgic media to cope with the social stress of COVID and the impact it has had on our daily lives. 

- Nostalgia was related to both functional/dysfunctional escapism. 




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