Why We Need Fantasy & Sci-Fi More Than Ever in Times of Crisis

I have loved reading for as long as I can remember. As a child, I had my own bookshelf in my little purple room, carefully selecting books (mostly picture books back then) and reading them aloud to my stuffed animals. As I grew, books became more than just stories, they became a bond I shared with my father. He taught me the value of a good book, not just as a tool for learning but as a refuge, an escape from the noise of daily life. A place where everything is possible. That is what books have always been for me.

Now, as an adult, I find myself reaching for fantasy and sci-fi more than ever, especially in the face of today’s overwhelming challenges. Some might argue that turning to fiction is a form of denial, a way to avoid reality. But in truth, it’s the opposite. Fantasy doesn’t erase the world’s problems; it helps us face them with new perspectives. In a world filled with uncertainty, these genres give us the tools to imagine, resist, and rebuild.

A World in Turmoil

Every day, we wake up to a flood of distressing news: human rights under threat, environmental disasters escalating, governments stripping away funding from education and culture. The weight of these realities is immense. It’s easy to feel powerless in the face of systemic issues that seem impossible to change.

For many, this constant barrage of negativity leads to burnout, anxiety, and even emotional numbness. Psychologists have found that prolonged exposure to distressing news can result in compassion fatigue, where individuals become overwhelmed and disengage from social issues entirely.

And yet, in the midst of all this, we turn to stories.

Why Fantasy & Sci-Fi Matter More Than Ever

Fiction, particularly fantasy and sci-fi, doesn’t just provide escapism. It equips us with essential tools for resilience, critical thinking, and hope. Here’s how:

1. Imagination Fuels Problem-Solving

Reading speculative fiction enhances creative thinking and problem-solving skills. A study published in Science found that reading literary fiction improves empathy and cognitive flexibility, allowing readers to better understand perspectives different from their own (Kidd & Castano, 2013). Fantasy and sci-fi encourage us to think beyond the constraints of our current world, introducing societies that function differently and characters who overcome oppressive systems. These narratives show us that change, no matter how impossible it may seem, is always within reach.​

2. Escapism as a Healthy Coping Mechanism

Engaging with fictional worlds can serve as a form of adaptive escapism, helping individuals process emotions during difficult times. Unlike avoidance, which suppresses reality, immersing in fantasy and sci-fi can provide relief and perspective. For instance, reading science fiction and fantasy has been associated with improved mental health in young readers, offering them tools to cope with stress and anxiety (Yes! Magazine, 2023).​

3. Empowerment Through Relatable Characters

One of the most powerful aspects of these genres is that they give us characters who struggle, persist, and fight for change. We read about heroes who challenge corrupt rulers, rebels who defy dystopian systems, and ordinary people who rise to extraordinary circumstances. (Scherzer, 2015)

I see myself in these characters, not because I’m leading an army or wielding magic, but because they remind me that small actions matter. That resistance, in any form, is valuable. That dreaming of a better world isn’t naive; it’s necessary.

Fiction as a Tool for Real-World Change

Fantasy and sci-fi have long been catalysts for societal change. Stories shape culture, and culture shapes reality. Consider how:​

• Star Trek broke barriers with one of the first interracial kisses on television and inspired real-world advancements in technology.​

• The Handmaid’s Tale became a symbol of resistance against women’s oppression in political protests.​

• Dystopian fiction like 1984 and Brave New World continue to influence discussions about surveillance, propaganda, and government control.

• Sci-fi literature like The Dispossessed by Ursula K Le Guin, that explores themes of political systems, individual freedom, and societal structures, encouraging readers to reflect on alternative ways of organizing society, appealing to the utopian dream.

These stories do not exist in isolation, they reflect and challenge the world we live in.​

Finding Hope in Stories

Reading fantasy and sci-fi is not about ignoring reality. It’s about fueling our minds and spirits for the challenges ahead. It’s about remembering that the world as it is now is not the world as it has to be.

In uncertain times, we need stories that remind us of courage, resilience, and hope. Fantasy and sci-fi don’t just entertain, they equip us with the imagination to create a better future. Fantasy and sci-fi are needed in times of crisis.

What books have helped you navigate difficult times? Let’s discuss in the comments!

References

Kidd, D. C., & Castano, E. (2013). Reading literary fiction improves theory of mind. Science, 342(6156), 377–380. Link

Yes! Magazine. (2023). Young Readers Find Hope—and Escape—in Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books. Link

Scherzer, Rachel L., "Young Adult Dystopian Literature as Social Change Evolution" (2015). Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects. 27. Link