Joceline Yong is a Senior Behavioural Analyst at Canvas8 based in Singapore. She holds a BA in Psychology from Yale-NUS College and is currently pursuing a Master's in Applied Social Science Research. She has strong experience in applying behavioural science across tech, healthcare, and the public sector, and enjoys bringing structure to chaos. Outside of work, she can be found social dancing, wandering through flower gardens, and escaping into fictional worlds.

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

Gen Z (born 1997-2010)

South Korea

Republic of Korea

Money

Media and Entertainment

The consequences of teen gambling addiction are being brought to life in a Korean short film. Once thought of as an adult crisis, easy access to online gambling platforms has led to addicts skewing younger, prompting conversations about whose responsibility it is to keep young people safe.