The Rise of AI Escapism: When “Vacations” Are Digital
If you can’t afford a vacation, an AI app will sell you pictures of one — and millions are taking the deal. From beaches in Bali to Paris rooftops, users are turning to AI-generated images to experience the luxury life they can’t afford in real life.
Faking wealth has always been a cultural phenomenon, from designer dupes to private jet photoshoots. But AI has made it deeply personal — a new kind of digital escapism that blends fantasy, self-image, and technology.
The New “Soft Life” Movement — Powered by AI
App developer Tim Wijaya recently revealed that while consulting for OpenAI, he discovered hundreds of Facebook groups where Indonesians use ChatGPT and image generators to create luxurious, imaginary versions of their lives.
Some of these groups have up to 30,000 members, many earning under $400 per month. Their posts show them “shopping” at Gucci, lounging by infinity pools, or posing beside Lamborghinis — all rendered beautifully by AI.
“It’s both sad and fascinating,” Wijaya said. “AI has become a form of escapism, letting people experience lives they’ll probably never live.”
Meet Endless Summer — The App Selling Dream Vacations
One app, Endless Summer, is going viral for making this trend even easier. Built by Laurent Del Rey, a product designer at Meta’s Superintelligence Lab, the app creates hyper-realistic AI vacation images of you — even if you’ve never left your hometown.
Del Rey describes it as “a social media app for when burnout hits and you need to manifest the soft life you deserve — with fake vacation pics of you.”
The app’s tagline captures the fantasy perfectly: “When reality burns you out, let AI take you somewhere better.”
From Clout to Coping: Why People Buy AI Vacations
Unlike the “fake it till you make it” Instagram era, this new wave isn’t about showing off — it’s about surviving burnout. For many users, these AI vacations offer mental breaks, mood boosts, and even a sense of hope.
The appeal lies in control: you can “travel” anywhere, look however you want, and live the dream life — even if only for a few clicks.
Experts call it digital self-soothing: using AI not to deceive others, but to cope with economic and emotional stress.
The Bigger Picture: AI and Emotional Escapism
The fact that AI can now sell comfort and fantasy raises deeper questions. What happens when people find more peace in fake vacations than in real life?
While some see it as harmless play, others warn it could deepen disconnection from reality — especially for younger users chasing validation through AI-crafted perfection.
Still, the trend shows no signs of slowing down. As AI continues to blend with social media, If you can’t afford a vacation, an AI app will sell you pictures of one — and millions will buy in.
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