Chapter 1: The Diminishing Value of Hobbies

In our screen-obsessed society, the importance of engaging in hobbies has significantly diminished. I found myself reflecting on this while drafting an article about my passion for LEGO. It dawned on me that hobbies, once cherished, are now often overlooked in favor of our smartphones. It's alarming to see how the number of individuals who identify as hobbyists is declining, a trend that deeply concerns me.

Dating has provided me with insight into this phenomenon. Despite my often comical dating experiences, I’ve gleaned valuable lessons about people, particularly women in their 30s. A recurring theme is their lack of hobbies. Their typical responses include activities like reading occasionally, binge-watching Netflix, or socializing with friends. While these pursuits are enjoyable, they hardly constitute genuine hobbies.

To emphasize this point, I often think, “You beautiful soul, none of those are hobbies.” But I hesitate to voice my thoughts. This pattern isn’t limited to my dating experiences; I observe it among friends of various ages as well. For true book lovers, reading is an immersive experience that leads to passionate discussions about recent discoveries. In contrast, casual readers often mention, “I read sometimes,” indicating a lack of genuine engagement.

Watching TV is another example; this activity should not be classified as a hobby. Historically, the term “couch potato” has been used to describe those who passively consume television, and this label is far from flattering.

While many claim to enjoy music, few engage with it at a hobbyist level. A true hobby involves dedication and a deeper connection to the craft. Simply listening to music on streaming platforms or attending a few concerts annually lacks the commitment that defines a hobbyist lifestyle.

The digital age has intensified an existing issue: many individuals struggle to find meaningful ways to spend their free time and explore their identities. It's easy to point fingers at external factors, but the reality is we often choose to plop ourselves in front of a large screen after work or mindlessly engage with mobile games. The excuse of not having time for hobbies is often a reflection of our lack of imagination and initiative.

We’ve fostered a culture where scrolling, swiping, and clicking have become the norm. Ironically, in doing so, we’re giving ourselves the proverbial middle finger. Society seems to have lost its drive for self-discovery, and engaging in activities like homebrewing, building LEGO models, or collecting vinyl records is increasingly seen as eccentric. As one friend’s spouse humorously remarked, “At least he’s not chasing other women,” framing these hobbies as a lesser evil.

It’s easy to become oblivious to the vast array of exciting activities available when our lives are reduced to the glow of a 6” screen. Finding true self-discovery is challenging when we’re preoccupied with others’ lives. We often fool ourselves into believing we have hobbies simply by watching others on platforms like YouTube, only to never take action ourselves. Observing others engage in their hobbies is not a hobby in itself; it can border on voyeurism.

Many start numerous projects, only to abandon them after a single setback or lack of validation from social media. If I had a penny for every failed attempt by aspiring hobby photographers, I would be wealthy. It’s a missed opportunity for personal growth.

A genuine hobby requires effort and investment in one’s emotional and mental well-being. However, the digital realm primarily promotes instant gratification, often sidelining deeper pursuits. While there are plenty of legitimate digital hobbies—such as writing, art, gaming, and music—the question remains: how many truly commit to hobbies compared to those who simply scroll endlessly on their screens?

People need hobbies. They need to delve into their passions and discover what makes them tick. Start a hobby today and stick with it!

Attila Vago — Software Engineer striving to improve the world one line of code at a time. A lifelong geek, passionate about writing code and blogs. Advocate for web accessibility, LEGO enthusiast, and vinyl record collector. A craft beer lover at heart! Read my Hello story here! Subscribe for more insights on LEGO, technology, coding, and accessibility! For my less frequent readers, I also share thoughts on various topics and writing.

Chapter 2: The Consequences of Hobby Neglect

As we navigate this landscape, it becomes increasingly clear that hobbies are not just pastimes but vital for self-exploration and fulfillment.

The first video, "HOBBIES ARE DEAD: Problems with Hustle Culture and Why We Feel the Need to Monetize Everything," explores the societal pressures that lead us to undervalue our leisure time.

The second video, "Profiling Alienated Labor Racism, Prison Growth, and Premature Death," delves into how societal structures impact our engagement with hobbies and leisure.