E-scapism

I've been toying with new ways to present the ideas of Engagism, and one that's really starting to stick with me is E-scapism. What is E-scapism? E-scapism describes how we use technology to temporarily shut out the "real world" so we can focus on our own.

It's important to think of this as a temporary "shutting out". Most of the time, whether we use our iPods to avoid an annoying fellow commuter or catch up on our favorite shows via Tivo, we aren't permanently retreating from reality. We're simply refusing to accept the reality that would be imposed on us and creating our own. We are, in fact, engaging.

E-scapism is positive. It doesn't deserve the pejorative "mere" (as in "mere escapism"). No, it is an important tool we use to focus on who and what is important to us. Sometimes it's entertainment, but sometimes it's using our Blackberries to keep our business running while we attend a conference.

In fact, E-scapism is the antidote to road rage. It's how an entire generation learns. It's a way for us to remain sane in a world filled with sirens and metal detectors. And, perhaps most important, it has become integral to our way of life. Everyone practices e-scapism. What implications does that have for how you run your business, do your job or manage your relationships?