Freeway in the ramp: Daydreaming as a mitigatory outlet within social panoptical surveillance

In the pursuit of self-actualization, individuals often encounter cognitive dissonance, particularly when societal pressures impede the fulfillment of desires and self-esteem needs. This article delves into the birth of cognitive dissonance within Maslow's framework and explores how panopticism, through decentralized surveillance, shapes societal norms and behaviors, influencing individual conformity. While exploring the concept of panopticism as a determinant of social acceptability, the article elucidates how societal surveillance influences individual behavior and the formation of alter identities. By scrutinizing the interplay between Eros and Thanatos in human psychology, the article uncovers the underlying drives behind mitigatory actions as birthing factors for alters and their implications for societal order. Drawing parallels between literary characters like Dr. Jekyll and Walter Mitty, the article examines the divergent paths individuals take to mitigate their unmet needs. While Dr. Jekyll's physical alter ego, Mr. Hyde, results in societal disruption, Mitty's daydreaming offers a safer, albeit intangible, avenue for fulfillment. Through an analysis of Freudian and Jungian perspectives on dreams, the article highlights the subconscious role of daydreaming in reconciling inner conflicts and mitigating cognitive dissonance, highlighting daydreaming as a mitigatory outlet within social confines. Keywords: Panopticism, Cognitive Dissonance, Alters, Mitigation, Daydreaming.