I was a kid with lots of hobbies. I wrote, painted, took music lessons, played volleyball and sang. You name it, I probably tried it at least once. I grew up in a family that was largely into supporting any creative whim I had. These activities helped define my identity. I wasn’t just a kid, I was an athlete, a creative.  

Many of these hobbies have grown up with me. I write poetry and I sing in an a-capella group (shoutout Jaybeats here on campus!). However, what takes up most of my time, outside of work or school, is consuming media. I watch TV, scroll through TikTok and Instagram, and watch hour-long commentary videos in the background as I do any menial task.  

To be transparent, I spent a total of nine hours on TikTok last week. Before I checked, I thought I spent three hours, at most. I am chronically online. Now I’m left wondering what else I could have done in those nine hours. I could’ve spent the time at the gym. I could’ve read a few self-help books. With some consistent repeated effort, I could’ve written a book.  

My screen time was jarring to me. When did we start replacing hobbies with consuming other people’s content? I surely can’t be the only one. It is entertaining and after a long day at school, it is mindless. I use TikTok as my example here, but if social media isn’t really your thing – how many hours a week are you watching TV? I might know whether someone is Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah before I know what creative pursuits they explore. So, is it true? Have we lost the art of creation? 

I would like to say we haven’t, at least not fully. I have friends who make music, edit videos and craft pottery. But I also have friends whose answer to the classic hobby icebreaker is “I watch TV” or “I read books.” Both are perfectly fine activities, but I argue that creating something or participating in a sport fills your spirit in a way consuming media simply doesn’t.  

When you consume, you remain in your comfort zone. The average TV show, movie or TikTok video does not challenge you. The insight and bravery required to improve at an activity are what expand your bubble. The constant reminder you are imperfect, and the effort it takes to repeatedly get off your knees and try again is what keeps you humble and serves as a low-stakes practice run for the times in your life when you’ll make a bigger mistake.  

We can’t spend our free time being spectators. We have to leave our mark through the activities we do. Being reduced to a number on a view count or a like on a video is an injustice to your personhood. We only learn so much about ourselves and the world through watching and listening. True learning comes from pushing yourself further, exploring your whims and being an active participant, rather than a spectator of the ever-changing world around you. 

So, I challenge you to check your screentime. Whether you’re chronically online like me or you indulge in binge sessions of your favorite comfort show, identify what your biggest area of media consumption is. You may be shocked at how many hours you spend doing that. Then, this week, challenge yourself to spend at least half of that time participating in something creative or active, and see how much more fulfilled you feel at the end of the week. You might just learn something about yourself.