The term escapism tends to be used in game research without providing any extensive definition of what it means or acknowledging its composite nature. In this paper, the authors question the possible conceptualizations of escapism and the extent to which gamers identify with them. Beginning with a theoretical deconstruction of escapism, the authors developed a framework that they applied in an empirical study with three focus groups. Respondents in these groups completed a survey and participated in a group discussion. The resulting data allowed the identification of eight different discourses of escapism in the context of playing multiplayer computer games. In addition, the study showed that citing escapism as a reason for playing games elicits debate and emotional responses. Given the existence of multiple interpretations and connotations, this paper concludes that escapism is problematic for use in surveys, interviews, and other research techniques.
DOCUMENT
Augmented reality (AR) mobile app advertising offers new opportunities for interactiveconsumer engagement to boost advertising effectiveness and elicit positive consumerresponses. In this study, we investigate the role of escapism by analyzing itsantecedents and consequences. We aim to shed light on how AR mobile app adver-tising can be used to enhance escapism experiences by considering two psychologicalmechanisms of mental imagery: narrative transportation (in response to ad storytelling)and spatial immersion. The consequences of escapism experiences include positivesocial media sharing, purchase intentions through brand attitudes, and new brandengagement via AR mobile app advertising. Prior brand preference does not affect therelationship between escapism and consumer responses after exposure to immersiveAR advertising. Our findings have meaningful implications for how industrypractitioners can enhance escapism in the context of AR mobile app advertising.
LINK
Virtual Reality (VR) experience escapes allow individuals to spend hours on end in immersive virtual environments and interact with content in a world that is providing shelter and illusion of an alternative reality – the metaverse. Discussions on possible risks have largely remained limited to usability challenges, while only a few studies reflect on social, psychological and physical implications this immersive technology exposes and the considerations consumers and businesses need to take. This paper critically reviews literature on escapism to discuss issues in the design and employment of virtual reality consumer experience escapes. Key issues relating to VR experience escapes and resulting effects on consumer health and well-being are discussed, emphasizing needed consumer-centered research and design. Future considerations include (1) Self-indulgent escapism through VR consumer experiences, (2) Ethical considerations in the design of VR consumer experience escapes, and (3) Purposeful design of VR consumer experiences escapes. A sequential research agenda is presented that integrates antecedents of VR experience escapes that connect to three main future research streams; designing purpose-driven VR consumer experience escapes, complementing methodologies for VR consumer experience research, and meaningful VR consumer experience escapes.
DOCUMENT
The aim of this study was to understand the motives for using the Internet, and its associations with users' attitudes, social values, and relational involvement. Also, this study attempted to crossculturally compare the difference in the pattern of motives and the associations among three countries ' the US, the Netherlands, and S. Korea. The design of methods was based on examination and revision of uses and gratification approach toward Internet users. Findings from factor analysis revealed that information seeking and Self-Improvement were the dominant and common reasons for using the Internet across three countries. The differences in the composition of motives in each country were also reported. Strong correlations across countries were found between all the motives and satisfaction of the Internet. Expectation and positive evaluation of the Internet were also important attitudes associated with Internet use motives. Postmaterialist value showed strong association with motives of information seeking and Self-Improvement. Community involvement was significantly associated with Internet use motives in Korean users.
DOCUMENT
This article investigates the transformative impacts of regular nature-based adventure activity engagement and its long-lasting effects on eudaimonic well-being (EWB), specifically mental health. Although extant research highlights a wide range of well-being and mental health benefits from participation in such pursuits, less is known about experienced outdoor adventure enthusiasts for whom adventure is a fundamental and transformational part of their lives. The study builds on an existing conceptual framework that synthesizes pertinent research concepts on nature-based activity engagement and subjective well-being benefits. It presents key findings from 40 semi-structured in-depth online interviews with respondents from the UK, Germany, and Serbia. Interview data were collated and analyzed using a thematic framework approach. The findings highlight the importance of outdoor adventure activity engagement for respondents’ mental and physical health and long-term well-being. Regular activity participation can be transformational in reducing feelings of ill-being and enhancing EWB. It can improve self-efficacy and identity development and promote the fulfilment of psychological needs, facilitated by key transformational catalyzers. Continually entering a liminal state, experiencing emotions, and overcoming challenges and risks during engagement are crucial to “successful” long-lasting transformation. Further research should continue to explore adventure’s transformational and EWB benefits to develop long-term data.
DOCUMENT
The idea of events being opposed to everyday life is widely reflected in events literature. Events are generally characterized as being ‘out of the ordinary’. This paper explores the creation and performance of the extraordinary, as well as the spills over of the extraordinary into everyday life. Using ethnographic methods, such as participant observation and interviews, the social practices of the fantasy event ‘Elfia’ were studied. The results show how the participants, both in everyday life and during the event, actively create and maintain the extraordinary via meanings, materials and competences. But instead of being completely out of the ordinary, the event provides a temporary re-arrangement of status and social order. This paper challenges the dominant narrative about events as extraordinary spaces of freedom and escapism. Instead, the extraordinary turns out to be interwoven with everyday life.
DOCUMENT
Abstract Despite the numerous business benefits of data science, the number of data science models in production is limited. Data science model deployment presents many challenges and many organisations have little model deployment knowledge. This research studied five model deployments in a Dutch government organisation. The study revealed that as a result of model deployment a data science subprocess is added into the target business process, the model itself can be adapted, model maintenance is incorporated in the model development process and a feedback loop is established between the target business process and the model development process. These model deployment effects and the related deployment challenges are different in strategic and operational target business processes. Based on these findings, guidelines are formulated which can form a basis for future principles how to successfully deploy data science models. Organisations can use these guidelines as suggestions to solve their own model deployment challenges.
DOCUMENT
We wonen in een land met het hoogste welvaartsniveau ter wereld en toch staat onze manier van leven onder druk. Hoe realiseren we uitnodigende en comfortabele steden in tijden van crisis? Het is voor mij eervol om als lector aan het roer te mogen staan van een lectoraat dat met de stad en regio samenwerkt om de meest urgente opgaven van de 21ste eeuw op te pakken. De gevolgen van klimaatverandering en grootschalig biodiversiteitsverlies zijn immers inmiddels voelbaar in ons leven.
DOCUMENT
