Are niche hobbies being ruined by capitalism?

There was a time, not long ago, when saying you like butter-churning or ‘medieval hobbies’ at a function would have been received with a confused expression and some thinly veiled judgment. But, bizarre hobbyists rejoice, that’s no longer the case. Popular culture seems to have swung in the opposite direction, leaving everyone scrambling to find the most obscure hobby possible. Melle Minhui, a beauty and lifestyle creator in Arizona, sent a call-out for “niche” hobby ideas on TikTok in August. “I want to have more hobbies but in a way where I can be mysterious,” she said. “I already do pilates, read a bunch, and rollerskate, but I want to add the spice.” The comments below the now-viral video are filled with ideas like taxidermy, playing the harp, flying planes, and studying mythology.

Minhui says she started “hobby shopping” after trying most of the typical hobbies in her community. “From going on runs and hiking to knitting, I’ve done all the hobbies that are convenient in my environment,” she says. “So I wanted to branch out.” Like many people trying out a new hobby, she also says she has a habit of dropping it after a few weeks if it’s not “interesting” enough. After reading through and researching her follower’s recommendations, she’s hoping archery (and potentially learning a new instrument) will stick.

Minhui is just one of the many young people partaking in “weird” hobby shopping. Influencer Christina Najjar, also known as Tinx, has said we all need to “become more interesting” for the sake of our relationships, and blogger Ayana Iman said hobbies are the “best way” to “elevate your lifestyle”. So it’s no surprise that people across social media are growing desperate to find “cool girl hobbies”, the most obscure hobby to “impress a guy”, or even “rich girl hobbies” for “high-value women”. It may also be why New York designer Collina Strada had a hobby horse performance at her NYFW afterparty this season.

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While it’s tempting to post behind-the-scenes videos from your first archery lesson looking like Katniss Everdeen, Matthew Zawadzki, an associate professor of psychological sciences at the University of California, Merced, says that’s missing the point of leisure itself. “Leisure should be about learning more about yourself and connecting with people who understand you rather than trying to show off to all the people who don’t care,” he says. Participating in leisure activities can improve your mood, reduce your stress levels, and even lower your heart rate, according to a 2015 study at the University of Merced. But, as people struggle to find time for leisure today, Zawadzki says people often feel guilty for spending time on anything “unproductive”. With this in mind, social media can be great for facilitating genuine meetups for specific hobbyists (like Sonny Angel collectors). Still, it also may be skewing our ideas on what we need to do to stay “interesting”. “The trend part of hobbies is no different than people keeping up with the latest fashion or buying a new car,” says Zawadzki. “Leisure has become a way to stand out and highlight what might set you apart because you want to be distinct.” 

The trend part of hobbies is no different than people keeping up with the latest fashion or buying a new car. Leisure has become a way to stand out and highlight what might set you apart, because you want to be distinct

Let’s be clear: hobbies have always existed (TikTokers did not invent archery or playing the harp), and people have used activities throughout history to signal wealth and class. The online commodification of hobbies and emphasis on obscurity, however, is a byproduct of growing up in the digital age. But for long-time “weird” hobbyists like Yanka, the shift has meant finally feeling comfortable to share with her audience that she likes collecting World War II propaganda. She has over 100 posters and can spend up to two hours a day researching the artists. “Hobbies mirror our knowledge and view of the world,” she says. “And I also think we live in a very strange time, so obscure hobbies give people a creative output to channel their energy outside the chaos.” Brian Kochan, a 26-year-old yarn spinner in New Jersey, believes people are currently searching for tangible objects in general. “Many of us work an unsatisfying office job with few, if any, physical deliverables during a time when we are constantly advertised to overconsume,” he says. Kochan spends anywhere from 10 to 40 hours a week on his hobby and says he’s already seen a growing number of spinners finding each other on social media. 

@celeste.aria_ Medieval Hobbies ⚔️ what persona do you want suggestions for next? #medievalhobbies #medieval #medievalfashion #medievaltiktok #medievaltrend #medievaloutfit #hobbyideas #uniquehobby #coolgirlhobbies #weirdhobbyideas ♬ Lute – AllMusicGallery

Those who feel like they haven’t found their “thing” yet will be pleased to find out that your hobby doesn’t have to be obscure for you to reap the health benefits. In fact, Zawadzki recommends starting with things you know you already enjoy rather than diving straight into a six-hour activity. “Don’t spend hundreds of dollars on equipment,” he says. “Sample a few things and focus on what brings you joy at the moment because we’re often bad at predicting what we think we will like.” If taxidermying and butter churning get you out of day-to-day productivity mode, then congratulations, your hobbies are niche (there’s no award). However, you could also just enjoy your favourite TV show with a friend or spend some time gardening. “There needs to be a part of your day where you just allow yourself to escape from your brain,” says Zawadzki. And yes, that even includes the part of your brain that wants to appear sexy and mysterious online.