Positive Escapism: What Your Pokémon Den Looks Like?

I recently came across a research paper 'A Psychological Exploration of Engagement in Geek Culture' by Jessica McCain ,Brittany Gentile, and W. Keith Campbell. The study found that "geek media is especially attractive to narcissists, independent of demographic variables" (McCain et al., 2015). The findings also suggest that "geek engagement to be related to subclinical depression, making it potentially relevant to clinical psychologists as either a cause or a potential remedy for depressed mood" (McCain et al., 2015).

Ever wonder if our love for all things geeky is a cause of psychological or emotional problems? It’s been the topic of debate in my house for years. Picture this: I’m a kid, my dad hands me a shiny new Game Boy, and boom! Instant happiness. I was hooked. Hours would fly by as I conquered pixelated worlds, barely noticing the sun going down. My parents, naturally, started to worry. I wasn’t running around the yard anymore, and it wasn’t long before they wondered, “Have we unleashed a monster?” In a grand parenting move, they confiscated the Game Boy for a week, just to prove I wouldn’t die without it. Spoiler: I didn’t. But man, it felt like I might! Still,

I wasn’t alone—many of my friends were just as video game-obsessed. We’d spend hours discussing strategies, unlocking secret levels, and honestly, annoying our non-gamer friends who couldn’t quite understand the thrill of mastering that final boss. It felt like we were on an adventure together, exploring virtual worlds and challenging each other in games. It was a different kind of social interaction, one that required strategic thinking and quick decision-making. Some of us would become experts and spent all of their time playing it, watching it, thinking about it and couldn't shut up about it. Friends admired them for being so knowledgeable, they were special kids for sure. 

Is Geek Culture Really a Problem?

So, let's address the elephant in the room - is geek culture really a problem? Some may argue that spending too much time on video games or comics can lead to social isolation or lack of physical activity. But hey, isn't it all about balance? Just like eating too many cookies isn't good for you, binging on geek culture without a break might not be the healthiest choice either. It's all about finding that sweet spot where you can enjoy your hobbies without neglecting other aspects of your life.

Think about it - geek culture brings so much joy and excitement to our lives. Whether it's diving into a new video game, attending a comic con, or binge-watching your favorite sci-fi series, these activities can be a source of happiness and connection. It's like finding your tribe, where you can geek out together and share your passions without judgment.

Balance is Key

The real question is, when does it all go too far? Is it about how much time we spend in these fantasy worlds? Or is there something deeper at play? For me, it’s all about balance. Sure, I can lose hours organizing my card collection—each rare find feels like a mini triumph! But when I step back into the real world, I feel accomplished, not lost. But let’s be real, life isn’t always rainbows and sunshine. There are times when the weight of reality feels too heavy, and diving into my geeky haven is the only escape. In those moments, it’s easy to get trapped in the cycle of avoidance—retreating further into fantasy rather than facing the hard stuff head-on. We’ve all been there, right?

The real trick is figuring out if we’re using our hobbies to recharge or to hide. Am I sorting my Pokémon cards because I’m building something that brings me joy? Or am I using them as a shield to avoid life’s messy moments? At the end of the day, it’s all about knowing the difference. As long as I can tell when I’m recharging my batteries versus running from my problems, I say bring on the collectibles! And hey, if that means creating an even bigger Pokémon Den to lose myself in for a while, so be it.

Instead of demonizing geek culture, why not embrace it with open arms while also making sure to maintain a healthy balance? It's all about moderation, my friends. Enjoy your geeky pursuits, but don't forget to step outside, get some fresh air, and interact with the real world too. Who knows, maybe you'll find a way to incorporate your geeky interests into your daily life in a more balanced way.

So, the next time someone questions your love for all things geeky, just remember that it's all about finding that equilibrium between indulging in your passions and taking care of your overall well-being. Geek on, my friends, geek on!

McCain, J., Gentile, B., & Keith Campbell, W. (2015, November 18). A Psychological Exploration of Engagement in Geek Culture. PLOS ONE. Retrieved February 17, 2022, from https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0142200