What is Fantasy?
Fantasy refers to an imaginary world that exists only in one's mind, which can be created through books, movies, TV shows, video games, comics, paintings, or any other form of artistic expression. In this fictional realm, people are able to escape from reality and immerse themselves in a different environment where they may have control over various aspects such as power, wealth, and status. It can also involve fantasizing about things that are impossible in real life like magic spells, superpowers, monsters, and mythological creatures. The idea behind it is to transport someone away from everyday stresses and worries into another dimension of possibility.
Some individuals become too attached to their fantasy life and begin to see it as more authentic than reality itself. This can lead to emotional dissonance when fantasy becomes more familiar than lived experience.
Why Does Emotional Dissonance Occur?
When fantasy becomes more familiar than lived experience, it can cause emotional turmoil because there is a disconnect between what is happening in the present moment and what has been envisioned by the individual. They may feel like they are constantly living in two separate worlds, which can be confusing and uncomfortable.
When individuals rely on fantasy to cope with difficult situations in their lives, they may develop unhealthy coping mechanisms instead of addressing them directly.
These behaviors can become ingrained and lead to further mental health issues.
Someone who uses fantasy to avoid confrontation may struggle with communication skills or conflict resolution when faced with actual problems.
Consequences of Emotional Dissonance
Emotional dissonance can have several negative effects on an individual's well-being including:
1. Increased anxiety and stress levels - People who rely heavily on fantasy for comfort may find themselves feeling anxious when they don't have access to their imaginary world. This can lead to elevated stress levels and even panic attacks. 2. Poor social connections - Lack of connection with others can occur due to excessive use of fantasy, making it challenging to form meaningful relationships based on reality. 3. Depression - The constant comparison between real life and fantasy can lead to feelings of depression, especially if the person feels inferior compared to their fictional counterparts. 4. Isolation - Engaging in fantasy activities alone can create a sense of isolation from the outside world, leading to loneliness and withdrawal. 5. Addiction - If left unchecked, fantasizing can become addictive, causing individuals to lose touch with reality altogether.
Addressing Emotional Dissonance
To address emotional dissonance caused by excessive reliance on fantasy, individuals need to acknowledge the root cause behind their behavior. They should also work towards building up resilience against stressors and learning healthy coping mechanisms like relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, or therapy. It is essential to prioritize reality over fantasy so that one's lived experience becomes more familiar than what has been envisioned.
Developing hobbies or interests outside of fantasy can help bridge the gap between reality and imagination.
What emotional dissonance arises when fantasy becomes more familiar than lived experience?
The emotional dissonance that arises when fantasy becomes more familiar than lived experience can be described as an increasing tension between what is perceived as real and imagined. This often happens when people become so immersed in their imagination that it overshadows reality, causing them to lose touch with their true desires, wants, and needs.