This Virtual Life: Escapism and Simulation in Our Media World

As the media becomes more sophisticated and lifelike, we spend more and more time in front of television screens. Distinguished psychologist Andrew Evans examines this warping of reality, and asks where such a path will lead us. The 21st century presents serious challenges to us all. However, our children are growing up thinking the world can be saved by super-heroes, crashed planes start again at the flick of a switch and people come back to life for the next round. The author looks at the effects of this distortion of reality. Maybe our need to escape the boredom and routine of every day life is being exploited by the companies who make money by selling us fantasy and simulation. From humour and comedy, to science fiction and computer games, Evans examines the variety of distractions available to take our minds off the daily grind. But how does this new media affect today’s children? What will be their future tomorrow? And have we become so reliant on escapist fantasy that reality can no longer be faced?