The grindification of hobbies

Summary

In today's culture, hobbies have shifted from a source of relaxation to a productivity-driven pursuit. Activities like music production, skateboarding, painting, and photography are no longer just for fun but have become opportunities for personal branding and social media content. This mindset takes away the joy of simply creating, experimenting, and enjoying hobbies. Instead of embracing leisure without pressure, we’ve turned our downtime into another form of work, chasing followers and career-building. The true value of hobbies lies in the experience itself, not in any outcome or product they produce.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hobbies have lost their carefree nature, becoming more about productivity and outcomes.
• 😀 Activities like painting, skateboarding, and photography are now viewed as projects that need to build towards something bigger.
• 😀 Society pressures people to turn their hobbies into work, diminishing the joy they once brought.
• 😀 People feel they can't just enjoy their hobbies anymore without aiming to 'develop' or 'progress' in them.
• 😀 Hobbies are now often tied to social media, with individuals focusing more on content creation than the activity itself.
• 😀 The obsession with tracking progress and comparing ourselves to others online has turned hobbies into another form of competition.
• 😀 There's a shift from doing things for fun to doing them to achieve external recognition or validation, like followers or labels.
• 😀 Social media amplifies the pressure to treat hobbies as a business or personal brand-building opportunity.
• 😀 Productivity guilt is prevalent; we live in a culture that sees rest or non-productive activities as irresponsible.
• 😀 Hobbies should be seen as a break from the hustle culture, offering an escape where you can be imperfect without judgment.
• 😀 The true value of hobbies lies in the experience and the act of doing them, not in the end product or external rewards.

Q & A

Why does the author believe hobbies no longer feel like hobbies?

The author argues that hobbies no longer feel like hobbies because our culture has turned them into activities that must have a productive outcome, such as developing a personal brand or achieving career-related goals, rather than being simple, enjoyable pastimes.

How has social media contributed to the transformation of hobbies?

Social media has exacerbated the situation by turning hobbies into potential content for online platforms. People feel pressured to document and share their hobbies for validation, making the act of enjoying the hobby secondary to gaining followers or creating shareable content.

What does the author say about the role of 'progress' in modern hobbies?

The author notes that modern hobbies are increasingly associated with progress, such as improving skills or achieving specific goals. This has led to the loss of the simple joy of doing something without the need to show measurable improvement or progression.

What is the author’s perspective on productivity culture and hobbies?

The author critiques productivity culture for infiltrating hobbies, suggesting that rest and enjoyment have become undervalued. Hobbies are meant to be an escape from the pressures of productivity, not another avenue for personal development or profit.

How does the author feel about the influence of tutorials on creative hobbies?

The author expresses concern that tutorials and online guides encourage people to skip the experimental phase of creative hobbies. Instead of exploring and enjoying the process, individuals focus on mastering techniques and achieving a certain standard of output too early.

What point does the author make about hobbies and self-expression?

The author emphasizes that hobbies should be a form of self-expression and personal enjoyment, not bound by the need to meet external expectations. They argue that hobbies are valuable when they allow individuals to explore and express themselves freely.

Why does the author believe that 'hobbies don't owe you anything'?

The author argues that hobbies are not obligated to provide financial gain, personal improvement, or a sense of accomplishment. Their true value lies in the simple act of doing something for enjoyment, without the pressure of external validation or purpose.

What does the author mean by 'the productivity mindset that already dominates everything else'?

The author refers to the societal tendency to view every activity through the lens of productivity—measuring success based on tangible outcomes like money or career advancement. This mindset has seeped into hobbies, making them feel like work rather than leisure.

How does the author suggest people should approach their hobbies?

The author suggests that people should approach their hobbies as a form of play, doing them simply because they bring joy or satisfaction, without any intention of profit or self-improvement. Hobbies should be about the experience and process, not the outcome.

What is the author's message regarding the value of enjoying something for its own sake?

The author stresses that the value of a hobby lies in the enjoyment of the activity itself, not in any potential outcome or result. They encourage people to rediscover the joy of doing something simply for the pleasure it brings, without the need for external rewards or achievements.