Has the internet killed hobbies?

Question

I recently read that there is a decline in the number of people who have hobbies. Rising living costs have meant many people can't afford to pursue their hobbies anymore. Busy lifestyles often other things are eating into the time they would normally allocate to their hobby.

But I thought of another reason, the internet. People spend hours starting at their phone, so is that the real reason many hobbies are dying out?

WindAtMyBack · Accepted Answer

I think the Internet is part of it, but I think the fixation on technology in general is a bigger part. You could call gaming a hobby, but it's not what hobby used to mean.

Gaming (both online, and single player offline), Internet usage (like GaG), computer usage, phones and TV all contribute. You could cut off electricity and see what happens after everyone nerd rages and has anxiety attacks because they can't deal with it. They seriously wouldn't know what to do with themselves, even though they only lost a tiny fraction of what there is to do in the world.

I remember in the early days of TV when a lot of people called it "the idiot box". TV was a big distraction, but most kids were too hyper to sit in front of the TV for hours. They went outside and burned off energy. Then computers came along and put TV to shame as a time waster. People turned into vegetables. Then they made computers small enough to carry around and called them phones. Now there was no escape, even when people left home.

People stare at a screen, as if that's the world. They don't even realize that a pixelated picture of a mountain is not the same thing as a real mountain. Hint: a real mountain is a lot bigger.

TonyV · Accepted Answer

Uuuh, how are video games not a hobby? Bird watching is a freaking hobby, if staring at birds counts I'd say video games do to.

And yeah every hobby is getting pricey, my rc car has been busted for years cause I can't justify spending 2 0r 3 hundred on a brushless motor system for it.
My garden tractors are going neglected cause parts are pricey so basiclly the one that I actually use to mow gets 90% of the attention.
Obviously project cars are pricey, again the one currently getting me to work gets the most attention, I've got a short list for it, brakes, shocks, some bushings/ball joints and thermostate and 1 new tire for functionality, that will probably come close to 600, and it's only that cheap cause I have the tools and knowledge to do the work myself, plus I'd like to add window visors and mudflaps mostly for looks but with a little functionality, so that's another 100-150.

He'll even drawing/art will eventually get pricey as you progress to better materials.

No such thing as a cheap hobby.

jennifer_bloom · Accepted Answer

I think another reason is safety. When I was 5 years old, I would leave the house unsupervised to visit the park and my friends from kindergarten also left house unsupervised to play in the park. We could climb trees together and eat wild berries together because nobody ever put poison on them. Now it's not safe, even for 16 year old kids to be out of the home by themselves, there are pedophiles and serial killers and organ hunters and drug traffickers and sexual traffickers and slave recruiters. So playing field hockey out at a park is not common, or basketball at a court, the short and skinny guys put themselves at risk of assault if they do that and at some middle schools, drug dealers force people to buy drugs by stealing their knapsack and refusing to return it until they agree to try marijuana.

sunflower00 · Accepted Answer

It’s certainly changed hobbies. I lost interest in anything when I was like 13 and got an iPod, and I just wanted to be on my iPod all the time watching YouTube videos and messaging people.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realised that is boring af and I want to actually do things. I read a lot now, I have started getting back into art (I used to love art when I was younger), I go for walks, I go to the gym, I play the Nintendo switch lol, I work on the family tree, I visit people, I go out in nature

CaptainOverthink · Answer

I think you're right.
What little spare time we do have we easily lose fidgeting with our phones or other devices. And the fast dopamine-kicks we get from our activities makes it ever harder to start up something new that doesn't reward us as fast but seem more tedious compared to clicking for the next video.

But I do think gaming is a hobby. As is most things we do for leasure these days. Although, it's easier compared to habits than hobbies, sadly.
Having been actively gaming since I was 10 years old I still find it a bit strange when sitting at the dinnertable with my parents and they are more enthralled by the phonescreen than I am, for I have been aware of those issues for far longer than them. It's surreal seeing the older generations so hooked and docile on so new a phenomenon.
I often look at my life and the lives of my peers and wonder what skills we'd be honing if we didn't just sit around consuming content or managing our meaningless online-reputation.
Who would we be? How would society be different?

Anonymous · Answer

A lot of people, yes. Or at least, it’s made people focused on other things that take away from what I think makes for more interesting hobbies. There’s a lot of good, but a lot of social media can be a time suck.

For me: I grew up before social media (Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, etc) was an obsession. I have a major focus and hobby. BUT - I like a lot of things. Anyone with the smallest amount of research could get me something for my birthday that I would find interesting.

I’ll find myself asking questions to people I want to get to know. What do you do for fun? “Facebook.” Ok. Any sites or any subjects you like? ::shrug:: “Ok… great talking to you!”

I don’t think people like to be “introspective.” “WHY do they like this?” They just do it out of habit. They like to shut their brains off.

For me, social media can be good and bad. With YouTube, I can find a review of something I want to purchase… I can get some decent advice (and yes, a lot of horrible advice, too). I can gain friendships with people across the world that I wouldn’t have access to normally. I can chat with experts in my field. I can try to promote my business. Learn a skill. I recently found a copy of a book that I used to own that is no longer in print so I could look up some fact or reread it. I can have quick access to GPS. There’s a lot of good that the internet (and more specifically social media) can do. I like to think that it usually enhances me as an interesting person. But if we didn’t have streaming or quick access to the internet, there would still be people who waste time and are “boring.” People would spend more time on tv. People who read would maybe read one section of the newspaper and ignore the rest. So if you don’t have an interest in much… and you don’t want it… I don’t think that’s always the fault of the internet or social media.

Adventurer23 · Answer

To expand a little further: the amount of money spent on phone/internet bills every month also takes away from the amount of money some people have to spend on hobbies or other activities. Sometimes it pays to cut back on your phone/computer time and spend some time doing other things. Maybe cut back and get a cheaper plan or package so that you have more money to do things. Turn your screen off and do something else with your time for at least a little while everyday, or better yet: get outside and explore the real world outside of the ones we create online. I promise you'll feel even better and even more fulfilled (not "you", but just saying in general).

Bricealan · Answer

Yes, they spend too much time on GAG, and let their hobbies go to hell. What hobbies we ask? Maybe many don't have any hobbies. Bird watching, maybe, collecting wine bottles, shells at the beach, (if they have a beach) trying to seduce the girls on GAG? (naw, that's not a hobby, that's 'kink" I think.
Come to think of it, the internet has killed my Piano practice, my Violin practice, and my Yoga practice!!!
Damn, "Poppy' this 'friggin' internet has just ruined my social life, What am I gonna do?/
Well, I can still watch "Wednesday" on Netflix... I'll take a stab at that, and Wednesday likes 'stabbing"

Anonymous · Answer

Nope! I still do digital art, sketching, video editing, I still write stories and short stories. I still write my diary. I still go for 8miles walks. I still play video games. Etc

I somehow find time to complete my hobbies, get to work on time, get enough sleep, and do my chores.

If you think about it. Everything is still the same. Back then people used their flip phones, and they used the newspaper.

Everything is still the same, 😒. Maybe people have gotten lazier, cause everything is now at a touch of a button.

But regardless people are learning how bad laziness is for them. And the faster they learn the better. Don’t sit on your azz and watch XXX, actually get up, get some gains and find your ideal man / woman.

Anonymous · Answer

I think that is ridiculous.

The most obvious problem is that gaming is a hobby and it is also a massively global industry, we collectively spend more than $300 billion a year on.

Furthermore it should be obvious that the internet allows for niche interests to be shared by people who are isolated geographically and for their interests to be supported by businesses which would not be viable in the high street.

It is therefore obvious to me that the internet can only be considered to be a massive boon to the hobbiest.

OfMiceandMen · Answer

I don't think it has killed my hobbies, I still get out in the shop to build things. My daughter is just about finished college and I expect she will get a job and likely need a place, so I've been slowly building/refinishing things she will need, just refinished a birch table, chairs and matching hutch. Last week I refinished an old sleigh bed.

I still like my outdoor hobbies, no matter what time of year. I usually, have a timer set on my phone for internet use that limits me on here. I don't play video games even though I have a Playstation.

molonski2 · Answer

I think its a big part of it , I for one find it quite disturbing seeing people constantly starring into various devices ( as I am right now ) , and having been old enough to have seen the other side it does bother me , not that the alternative was euphoria or the like , but all these hobbies , where did they go?

Im stuck on the fence frankly , here I am in Thailand , imagine trying to coordinate even the financials of it without IT? Banking and stuff? Content of Youtube and other platforms , Spotify.. all the How to? stuff..

Then I go to my coffee place ( Bannana Smothie - no sugar ) and like everyone else I stare into a phone ---- hmmmmmmmm

misogynistic_pig · Answer

No, the internet hasn't killed hobbies, it has changed the way people interact with and discover them.

In fact, the internet has made it possible for people to explore and discover new hobbies, as it offers a wealth of information and resources on different topics.

In addition, the internet has also allowed people to connect with others who share similar interests through online communities and social networks.

This has made it easier for people to find and connect with others who share their hobbies, which can be a source of support and motivation.

Although it is true that excessive use of the internet and social networks can distract people from their hobbies, this does not mean that hobbies are disappearing.

People still have unique interests and hobbies that they are passionate about, and it is important to find a balance between internet use and pursuit of hobbies to enjoy both aspects of life.

normalice · Answer

Yeah. Half the reason anyone ever had a hobby was for the entertainment value. But the internet provides a hyperpotent source of entertainment so the slow work of developing a hobby that requires more effort than a few mouse clicks is often left in the dust.

RolandCuthbert · Answer

After seeing Tyler Perry, I want this hobby.

Lliam · Answer

I wouldn't doubt it. People are probably losing manual dexterity in everything but their thumbs. Eye-hand and muscle coordination? Incurious minds that are controlled subliminally. All they know how to do is text and kill video images with their game controllers. Seems like a sad life to me.

art84 · Answer

I agree on internet killing hobbies. I remember getting into baseball and basketball card collecting as a kid in the 90's. It was kinda fun though it was expensive. Videogames yeah I would probably call a hobby if you collect them like systems and games. I use to ride my bike as a kid and recently started playing football with my nephew outside. I even exercise for a few hours as consider it a hobby like walking outside or doing my DDPY. I used to draw as well but haven't draw since middle school. Though I am sure art supplies like paper, markers, color pencils have gone up expensive like $10. Maybe if hobbies weren't expensive then people would have want to do something they always wanted to do.

Astarlessnightsky · Answer

No, the internet is a good source for all sorts of knowledge.

If you want to play an instrument go on youtube for beginners lesson.

If you want to knit a pullover, google how to do it and also order needles and wool.

Don't know how to get into painting, you will definetly find something online.

No friends who will do this or that with you? Facebook has a group for that so you can connect.

And yes gaming is a hobby.

Kaneki05 · Answer

Gaming is not a real hobby? I think someone needs to look up what Scotsman fallacy is. Gaming is 100% a hobby.
And no internet has helped or made all mine, reading has existed since the dawn of writing but reading and writing are so much easier today thanks to the internet.
So by far nope from me.

RMorus · Answer

That's absolutely right.

There is an internet-culture growing up. And I would guess, the numbers are rising.

It's much more convenient than actually having to go somewhere or to even move somewhere within your own home physically :D

Paul09 · Answer

Maybe for some, not for me. It helps me with my hobbies. Let's me try new hobbies. I learn a lit, love it. The internet has been very helpful to me. I mean do spend a lot of time of the internet for other things to, that might be wasteful at times.

qwert1234 · Answer

Killed? No.

Generated new ones or modified existing ones? Yes.

Gaming is a hobby.

Usually, vlogging is a hobby. So is composing music (hello FLV studio).

TikTok, as unfortunate as an example it is, is a form of hobby.

Reading is still there but the media can change, ie: Kindle.

Capricornunicorn92 · Answer

I think so to a certain extent. Now is the age of internet influencers and a big chunk of people's times is spent on YouTube or Tiktok or on here for instance. But I will say in order to be influencers for the most part, you have to have some kind of hobby whether that's shopping, gaming, traveling, etc.

But for those that aren't influencers I feel that a lot of time is spent on the internet now. Maybe too much time.

GoodGuyBreakingBad · Answer

I agree with you, too many people on the internet and none have many hobbies because they are also gaining weight too because of spending too many hours online the internet has shot peoples nerves. I'm for one is blaming the internet because I won't reach my goal of losing weight.

anantmann9057 · Answer

I dont think so, a big part of social media is filled with people sharing their hobbies such as any type of animations, any type of art, any type of comics, even I share my hobby of singing on singing apps, as i can see peoplw share their hobbies on internet and earn money with them as well..

SnowedIn · Answer

Killed? No. Changing and impacting? Yes. But, like you said, money and lifestyle independent of the internet is already changing hobbies.

Jessica405 · Answer

One of my leisure hobbies is genealogy. In this case, the internet has made things so much easier. On line records are much quicker to search than ploughing through microfilm and microfiche. No need to travel to record offices.

Dinosaursandanime65 · Answer

I think “kill” may be just a wee harsh, maybe….. smacked them on the patootie. Of course gaming is a hobby, saying it’s not is like saying Indians aren’t Asian or calling Native Americans “Indians” like an uneducated swine. If anyone asked me what my hobbies are one of the things I’d say is “being a Giga Chad”.

AviatorTom · Answer

Poppy, as usual, your logic and analysis is unmatched. Thank you for this golden snippet of life.

weysally · Answer

yes I'm sure it has, I spend quite some time on the net now, where a few years ago I was out

Adam1978 · Answer

I don't think so, might be more useless hobbies but if you dedicate large portions of your life to it, I would say it's an hobby. So if you spend all your free time on tiktok, that is a sad hobby, because where is the passion.

Jaylenn · Answer

Probably for older folks maybe, I did cheer, dance and was in school groups, as well as church groups, I keep up with things, and I work and have good friends circles. I like this GAG thing too.

PBandJ_Nerd · Answer

I'd consider gaming a hobby, for me that's one of them. Others are reading books, doing coloring books, word search books, listening to music, watching cartoons & anime, etc. Just a bunch of nerd stuff.

genericname85 · Answer

if it wasn't for the internet, i would have significantly less hobbies tbh xD i think the internet helps you find stuff that you would never have naturally come across.

melanieeeB · Answer

For some.. maybe?

I must say the internet is not stopping me to pursue my hobbies at all and like in the past instagram even helped me be more connected to one of my hobbies and to people who shared the same interest.

EmmaMary · Answer

There's an awful lot that could be said and allocated to all this "Gaming" that's suddenly increased in popularity.

Guy13 · Answer

I think internet killed hobbies and time to self as well.

Freyke · Answer

I blame it on the busy lifestyle. Not internet. If anything, I picked up new skills through the internet. Without it, I would have had fewer hobbies.

Whatthefluff · Answer

I have also thought of the cost of living as a factor in this. I’m sure everyone would love to have the time, money and energy to pursue their interests.

bean2k21 · Answer

"A girl or an employer" LMAO. Whether I play video games or build torture devices for a hobby is of no concern to either one. That being said, my hobby is building torture devices.

exitseven · Answer

Yes, people don't seem very interested in activities anymore. I used to think it was all the drugs people are using but the internet might have something to do with it.

Still-alive · Answer

It might have. the internet can be addicting.

turnpost · Answer

I would say its the opposite. Lifting and Rockclimbing started from the internet for me otherwise I would hesistated about the money and funds about it.

So no. Motivation is more important remove the social media.

SaoirseS · Answer

I don’t know, but it sure has provided more time-wasters.

WanderingLoveWizard · Answer

The internet has only enlightened me to unknown aspects of my hobbies

Fireguy17 · Answer

I still have hobbies, I putz on my classic cars, I have the money and enjoy working on them, most days.

Nikki1989 · Answer

Not for me. I still find time for my hobbies.

Anonymous · Answer

Tbh I think the internet has killed many other things other than hobbies, most kids won't go putside and play and if they dinits only a few minutes and then they want to get on there phones, I can't day much because I am the same way but personally I think the internet has taken away a lot

Anonymous · Answer

Probably hasn't help but probably created a few as well Luckily my hobby is tied to my vocation so I can do what I love and get paid for it

FeminineHSP · Answer

Absolutely. I miss how good it was before 2010. As much as I love video games and music, I miss doing human stuff. But modernity just got so messed up.

legalboxers · Answer

my computer is my hobby sadly. I played games (not online)

jshm2 · Answer

No. Quite the opposite in fact. Hobby communities are now global more than local.

SunnyRS · Answer

It has people spent more time on apps or watching videos, they don't try to do something new. But it's not the fault of internet, it's we who choose to use it like that.

JamesHarrys · Answer

Internet used to a really beautiful thing. Now, it's a cope and an addiction.

Heterosketero · Answer

The internet not so much, but Social Media. I listen to music online when writing.

Christoff92 · Answer

Yes. Going on Onlyfans creates my Sexual ego stream. So have to practice becoming less and less addictive too it.

Degenerate · Answer

Definition of hobby ----> an activity done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure. How is gaming not a hobby?

Surely · Answer

Looks that way.  When 2 people go out to eat and they play on their phones the whole time. Are they texting each other?

Likes2drive · Answer

Maybe they are just using their phones to pass the time because they can’t afford to have a hobby anymore

007kingifrit · Answer

no i have plenty of hobbies. true social media zombies might not but those people don't matter to me

Wise4myage · Answer

I think the internet has definitely killed a lot of hobbies.

KrakenAttackin · Answer

Depends on your hobbies. I do wood working and metal working.

NathanDavis · Answer

it's killing sports already...

Quackthulu2 · Answer

What? No. Who doesn’t have hobbies?

Has the internet killed hobbies?

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