Table 7.
Overview of the Escapist behavioural archetype.
| Escapist Behavioural Archetype | ||
| Internal Characteristics | Description | |
| Identity | Escapists prefer to remain anonymous during online interactions | |
| Procrastination | They may postpone responses to their online friends and, unconsciously, leave their messages and interactions unanswered | |
| Self-enhancement motive | Social media offer an escape from real life, allowing the Escapist to create an imaginary persona that boosts his or her self-image and allows him or her to be viewed positively | |
| Self-discrepancy | Escapists’ unhappiness with their real-life situation causes them to make false claims about themselves when online, for example giving a false age or pretending to be happier than they really are | |
| Avoidant online attachment style | Escapists are unwilling to form close friendships online, which may reflect an underlying lack of trust in those with whom they engage | |
| Examples of Usage and Associated Emotions (Positive and Negative) | Emotion Example | |
| Positive usage experiences | Social media are helpful for communicating with relatives, friends, and sharing information | Happiness, joy, astonishment |
| Social media are used for activities resulting in pleasure and entertainment | Joy | |
| Negative usage experiences | Fear of missing out on certain events, news, opportunities, and timely interactions | Worry, fear, jitteriness |
| Unconsciously spending longer online than one intended; avoiding communicating with others | Regret, anger, sadness | |
| Limited or no access to social media due to connectivity problems or restrictions imposed by the social context | Nervous, anger, fury, unhappiness | |
| Content or interactions do not suit one’s mood | Anger | |
| Psychological States | Usage Experiences | |
| Anxiety | Occurs due to excessive usage of social media or due to displeasing content | |
| Boredom | Arises when the individual may engage in passive interaction such as viewing and scrolling in an unconscious mood | |
| Loss of interest | This arises when the same content is repeatedly posted on social media | |
| Loneliness | Arises if social media are crucial to social interaction and one is unable to engage and feels excluded | |