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**Summary:**

The text laments the shift in hobbies from simple enjoyment to intellectual competition, particularly among those who have grown up with social media. It questions why people can’t engage in leisurely activities without feeling the need to analyze, compare, and overthink them, suggesting a longing for a more carefree and unburdened approach to personal pursuits.

**News Article:**

**Are Hobbies the New Battleground? Experts Question the Rise of Competitive Leisure**

**[City, State] –** In an era dominated by social media and constant comparison, a growing number of individuals are questioning whether hobbies have lost their original purpose: pure enjoyment. A recent wave of online discourse points to a worrying trend where personal pastimes have transformed into intellectual contests among peers, fueled by platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

“When did knitting become a performance? When did birdwatching require a PhD?” asks one concerned observer, echoing sentiments shared across various online communities. The piece suggests a deep-seated desire for a return to simpler times, where hobbies were pursued for the sheer pleasure they provided, free from the pressure to achieve, impress, or analyze.

“Why can’t we just ‘pluck grass in a green field with not a thought to spare’?” the author posits, referencing a longing for a state of carefree engagement that seems increasingly elusive in a world saturated with social media.

Experts suggest that the pressure to curate an online persona and constantly compare oneself to others may be contributing to this phenomenon. “Social media encourages us to present an idealized version of ourselves, including our hobbies,” explains Dr. Anya Sharma, a social psychologist. “This can lead to a sense of competition, even in activities that are meant to be relaxing and enjoyable.”

The rise of competitive hobbies raises questions about the true purpose of leisure in the 21st century. Is it a genuine source of relaxation and self-discovery, or just another arena for striving and validation? For many, the answer remains unclear. As one commenter wrote, “I miss when hobbies were about doing, not about proving.”

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