This hilarious comparison of video games vs. real life from Dorkly, below, actually highlights one of the very reasons why people play video games: to escape from the difficulties of the real world. When playing video games, you get to choose what you look like, what your strengths are… in these virtual worlds, you are in control.

Videogames vs. Real Life
(Image Source:  Dorkly)

The appeal of these ideal virtual worlds was illustrated following the release of Avatar, where many fans became depressed at the thought of never being able to visit the planet Pandora.

I recently read an interesting post by a woman named Demi who shared stories from herself and her friends who had used gaming as an escape from real life stresses.

Another friend told me how her escape from her step-father was her Nintendo. He was a cruel and controlling man who stopped her from doing many things and never told her when her food was ready. At a young age she was left to fend for herself and take control of her own life. The Nintendo kept her sane and happy, and nothing that happened within the real World could hurt her while she had that to keep her company.

Just as some people escape into the pages of a really good novel, others get the same result from a good video game. As long as this “escape” is within reasonable limits, it can be an effective coping mechanism for many people.

p.s. Paper cuts really suck.