It doesn t take a genius to realize that life can be better. Drugs are popular because they allow the user to escape from reality for a time. For a while, the user can feel good and life appears better. Alcohol is also a popular escape from reality. It changes behavior, which makes life appear better.
People become bolder, they open up to having friends, or they feel empowered to perform a task.
Entertainment is another popular escape from reality. For a short time, we can place ourselves in a dream world. Advertisements are everywhere reminding us that if we would buy the right product, life would be so much better. We work harder because buying things is supposed to make life better. We play harder because that is supposed to make life better.