To me it appears as if some people are associating escapism with roleplay as if it's some entirely negative and unnatural form of self-indulgence. The reason one becomes enraptured in a book is because they're able to find enjoyment and/or knowledge within the world said literature represents. Regardless of one's personal life, be it negative or positive, when we participate in an activity we enjoy there is always a form of stress relief. Not only that, but regardless of one's age, life is never (nor will it ever be) in someone's full control. This is hence the reason why many free-form video games are so appealing. Being able to construct an entire identity, from age to gender to beliefs and so forth provides a level of not only escape, but comfort and security that we so lack in our everyday lives. Whether that is formed by creating a reflection of ourselves, or a completely new person entirely is neither here nor there.There's also the social aspect of course, in which we're able to directly interact with each other through an indirect means of communication. Roleplay provides a common interest, leaving even the most unsociable of individuals able to form relationships and conversations with much greater ease than one would in real life.

I could go on for ages stating the multilayered nature that I believe RP brings about, despite the fact I myself have only been doing so for no less than 4 months. Regardless, to those of you saying you roleplay because it's simply enjoyable: Ask yourself why. Why is it you find logging on to this medieval server so appealing in the first place? Delve deeper than simply "Oh, the lore is so extensive!" or "I enjoy the medieval setting!" Think about it as it pertains to your own personality, interests, and etc. Perhaps this will give you a better grasp as to the actual definition of escapism, as well as how it pertains to you.