This philosophical blog post explores how the concept of the "willing suspension of disbelief," traditionally used for engaging with fiction, has permeated everyday life in the modern era. The author contends that the increasing absurdity of reality, fuelled by social media, politics, and technological advancements, has blurred the lines between fiction and reality. Consequently, individuals are now compelled to constantly suspend their disbelief not for leisure, but as a necessary coping mechanism in a world saturated with misinformation and contradictory narratives. The piece argues that this constant cognitive dissonance leads to mental fatigue and a crisis in culture and epistemology, where truth becomes subjective and critical thinking is challenged. Ultimately, the author calls for a new form of literacy that combines media scepticism, philosophical rigour, and critical thinking to navigate this "Age of Realism Fatigue" and reclaim reason in an increasingly fictionalised world.

Source: https://philosophics.blog/2025/03/29/when-suspension-of-disbelief-escapes-the-page/