Throughout this course, the concept of leisure, and an individual’s ability to engage in leisure, has been discussed. While the views on what constitutes “leisure” has continually changed throughout time, constraints on the ability to engage in leisure- whether through peer pressure from friends (interpersonal), low self-esteem and fear (intrapersonal), or simple structural constraints that limit the amount of time and money an individual has- have always influenced the pursuit of leisure in society. In today’s society, the role of technology is rapidly changing not only the type of leisure activities that are available but the mediums in which they’re pursued. While providing many benefits to leisure and overall well-being, technological …show more content…
Leisure went from enjoying circuses during Roman times, to the enjoyment of arts and festivals during the Renaissance, to using parks and recreation during the Industrial Revolution to now, in the digital age, being shaped by video games and online communities. The shift to the digital age has led to a new understanding of the third place. According to Soukup, third places “offer relief from the stressful demands of work and home life and provide the feelings of inclusiveness and belonging.” Third places, traditionally viewed as places such as pubs and barber shops, not only benefit an individual but can also benefit a community. Third places can strengthen social bonds and foster and build relationships through interactions as shown by Hollywood movies and shows like Barber Shop and “Cheers”. (Soukup, 2006) In the digital age, computer-mediated communications such as chat rooms, online multiplayer games, and blogs create an environment of a virtual “third place”. Chat rooms, and the internet as a whole, are “neutral ground” because users, are protected by an IP address and a screen name. A chat room can also cycle through multiple different conversations just like the conversations at a pub. Furthermore, many chat rooms, online games and blogs have “regulars”. Virtual third places have brought the world together through a computer or a smartphone instead of through face to face interactions. Through chat rooms and social media, individuals can become connected in new