... end of the world, so to speak.

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Expect Arcadia since there's not as much pollution and construction.

Many have noted that the popularity of the Zombie Apocalypse in media is probably in part due to this trope. For people's sensibilities, a future in which you may be prey to flesh-hungry ghouls is worth it if at least you don't have to face all of the pressures and responsibilities of modern life anymore. In many ways, it makes life more interesting.

A high form of Escapism, as who wouldn't want to drop all the pressures of modern life, with the odd chance to prove your bravery and resilience? Compare with Scavenger World, After the End. Usually goes hand in hand with Apocalyptic Logistics. See also Disaster Democracy and Angst? What Angst?.

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Examples

open/closeto let the end of the world run its course, whether it be due to their own negligence or unwillingness to change, as long as it doesn't affect them. (This requires actually hearing the ultra fast lyrics, however). Or that everything people crow about being the "end of civilization!" or "this changes everything!" isn't really that big a deal at all. It's basically an argument against knee-jerk reactions and the fear of change.

The Decemberists' "Calamity Song", which is a refreshingly peppy and fun song about, well, the apocalypse. "Had a dream, of you and me in the war of the end times

And I believe, California succumbed to the fault line

We heaved relief, as scores of innocents died."

"Natural Immunity" by Supercommuter is about a man who specifically invoked this