The Death of Hobbies

When I was interviewed for my current job, I prepared for any possible question and looked up how to phrase my answers perfectly. I found a great outfit and got there 15 minutes early. I made sure to have good posture and be extremely polite. Everything seemed to be going well until I was asked what hobbies I had. This seemed like a no-brainer and I could think of a dozen hobbies that others may have (sports, playing an instrument, making art, volunteering at places, building things, reading, etc.) but I couldn’t think of a single one that applies to me. Watching Netflix hardly counts and other than that, my days were full to the brim of working, going to school, studying, and occasionally going out with friends. I could not think of a spare minute I had to add in a hobby even if I wanted to! This was only until my phone kindly displayed my weekly screen time report- 4 hours a day! I didn’t even know I had a spare 4 hours a day and if I did, I would probably use it on a nap. My usage was mostly YouTube, TikTok, and Twitter, which makes sense because I tend to play videos while getting ready or eating even if I do not spend the time watching them.

In our most recent reading for class, James Williams emphasizes the power informational technologies have against us rather than in our favor. His focus is the consumption of our attention stolen by these devices and ultimately pulling us further from our goals that really matter. Williams illustrates a hypothetical example of the ITrainer that hits far too close to our reality today. Accordingly, he imagines a devices or form of technology that was created solely to make users more weak-willed and impulsive. The first 5 chapters of his book stem on the idea that our attention has be redirected and to a goal that is not ours, but instead belonging to the creators of these devices. The consequences of being so attached and dependent on our phones, computers, and every bell or chime that comes from a notification extends far beyond the loss of face-to-face interactions, but can change our routines, values, and our ability to become who we aspire to be.

In contrast to my prior blogs, dwelling on how to perfect a post, what brings viewers, and the revival of music through Tiktok, this reading forced me to consider the point of it all. Williams asks readers to consider what their life goals are and what they think of first thing in the morning. Personally, I have made it my goal to become a trauma counselor and possibly become an advocate of children in the future. However, my 4 hours a day of YouTube, TikTok, and Twitter don’t seem to be a step forward in this process. I’d like to clarify, though. Not every action you take throughout the day should or could possibly be geared toward your life goals. Watching Desperate Housewives is enjoyable, but it does nothing for my future. That’s ok. The point, instead, is that if these things are rooted in technology, they may begin to consume more and more of your time and energy without you noticing.

When (ironically) searching online for hobby ideas, I found an article which feeds into Williams’ point. Suggested “Millennial Hobbies” provided here include online and mobile shopping, Netflix binging, social media branding, and insta-exploring. The issue is that indulging in a hobby implies a pleasure derived from this activity. Mindlessly adding to your amazon cart, although relatable, does not count. Hobbies that count and are not terrible include painting, running, reading, gardening, playing with pets, visiting a market, cooking a new recipe, etc. These aren’t just activities that kids do and later age out of, but are the tiny acts of self-care that dissipate the feeling of burnout.

My proposal is not to throw your phone in the ocean or go live in the woods without electricity, but to find a hobby. This goes for me as well. The buzz of a text or ring of an Instagram like can’t come first. Let’s instead, place it a few spots lower in the list of our priorities. That’s not too hard, is it? It just might be. Especially for those who grew up with very few limitations on phone/computer use, the appeal to sit and scroll is present and it’s pretty powerful. Some people have careers that depend on their ability to respond quickly to a notification. Nonetheless, I challenge you (and myself) with the task of looking up your daily usage and trying to knock it down by 10%. Make that 20% if you want to be the overachiever. Feel free to comment any results and/or epiphanies.