Joey Levenson is a writer and editor with a wealth of experience across art and culture. This includes working on the editorial team for 

 as well as freelance political and economic journalism for 

. They have conducted countless interviews and have shared their expertise on aesthetic trends with the likes of Facebook, Adobe, and Squarespace.

Navigating reality has become an almost constant shock to the system. With the ongoing cost of living crisis, wars, political polarisation, and global environmental issues, life’s stresses are becoming increasingly difficult to escape. With individuals and collectives in a perpetual state of disturbance, people are increasingly seeking reprieve.

If the notion of escape was previously more transient, people are growing more invested in constructing a permanent refuge through world-building and community connections. Global fandoms, Australia’s board game renaissance, and the flourishing rave culture in the UK are examples of alternative realities that allow people to find joy and supportive networks. Many are also finding embodied escapes through psychedelics, VR meditations, and manifestations.

People are increasingly trading a quick hit of holiday serotonin for an emotional release one can get without leaving the home. Travel excess is undoubtedly on the rise, but TikTok’s #UltimateWorldCruise saw millions of people escape vicariously through their screens by witnessing creators share their experiences of a nine-month Royal Caribbean cruise, with its dramas, mishaps, and relatable characters. Elsewhere, one TikToker who decided to build a tunnel network under her house purely to keep herself “preoccupied” gained a captive online audience – demonstrating how people are increasingly interested in absurd departures from everyday life.

People are finding freedom in the unhinged by embracing new levels of honesty about mental health. ‘Yearnposting’ reflects a more deliberate engagement with anxiety and dissatisfaction, while others are opting for off-the-rails candour or just dissociating completely. Meanwhile, trends like ‘feral girl summer’, ‘bedrotting’, and ‘goblin mode’ have seen people construct new lifestyles and outlooks for themselves – because reality doesn’t cut it.

Essential Escapism

From decentralised autonomous organisations (DAOs)  run on Discord to city-wide mutual aid groups, people are finding safety and optimism in numbers. For growing numbers of people, collective action is emerging as the only viable solution to compounding crises and deepening alienation.

World Builders

Adam Scott Neal is a composer and musician with over 15 years of experience in music and academia. He’s the assistant director of the Office of Engaged Learning at Southern Methodist University and regularly hosts workshops, poster sessions, and symposia for students to showcase their musical work. He also teaches a variety of courses on the audio production major at the Art Institute of Dallas.

Gen Z (born 1997-2010)

Gen Y (born 1982-1996)

Media and Entertainment

Music, radio, and podcasts

Dazed

The Ladder

USA Today

HR Morning

Impero

Interview with Adam Scott Neal conducted by the author

Bailey Numbers

The New York Times

Similar Web

Retail Dive

Truelist

GamesIndustry.biz

Psychiatrist

Señal News

Deloitte

Gitnux

Cloudwards

Spotify

As Gen Zers venture into the workforce in a post-pandemic world, it's clear they're riddled with stress and burnout. Within this context, how has elusive YouTube creator Lofi Girl risen to the top and captured an audience who are hungry for fresh ways to engage with media?