Reality Shifting among Social Media Users: An Investigation of Psychological Phenomenology

Reality Shifting (RS), a practice that gained popularity after the COVID-19 pandemic, involves belief in multiple realities. Focus groups and an online survey with 59 participants aged 17 to 30 suggest that RS may help satisfy novelty seeking needs through fantasy proneness and parasocial relationships. Social media aids understanding and resource seeking for the practice but is linked to negative consequences such as excessive use and adverse online experiences. The findings have implications for understanding how social media facilitates access to alternate experiences and may affect patterns and frequency of social media use.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Reality Shifting (RS) is a practice that gained traction recently, particularly after the COVID-19 Pandemic. Reality Shifters believe in the existence of multiple realities. Considering that no empirical research has studied this topic, this study emphasizes the exploration of the phenomenology of RS among social media users. Focus Group Discussions were conducted with two groups: a RS Group (6 individuals) and a Non-RS Group (10 individuals). Thematic Analysis was conducted, and a Data Sheet was developed and administered online with other standardised tools to 19 Reality Shifters and 40 Non-Reality Shifters (aged 17 to 30). It indicates that RS may help serve novelty seeking needs through fantasy proneness and parasocial relationships. Social media helps understand and seek resources (like subliminals) for the practice, but seems to have negative consequences (excessive use and adverse online experiences). It has implications to see the role of social media in accessing alternate experiences which could also have an impact on pattern and frequency of social media use.