A 2023 study in Frontiers of Psychology concluded, “How people engage in leisure is an important but frequently underappreciated aspect of meaning in life.” The concept of leisure covers a broad array of activities, but what the study found to be most relevant in defining the term was freedom of choice: “The essence of leisure lies less in the specific activity than in the subjective perception of freedom, choice, and intrinsic motivation.” Unfortunately, the research then went on to report the most common leisure activity in today’s society is watching television. It seems we also choose to enjoy our leisure moments alone. The Atlantic recently referred to our present time as “The Anti-Social Century,” and noted cell phones have accelerated our “national anti–social streak.”

Free time and leisure — those moments that are not assigned to work or school — are rare for college students. Between classes, work and athletics, free time is at a premium. We wanted to explore the experience of leisure at Morningside University. What do students choose when they have free time? When they have a moment of leisure do they enjoy it together or choose to be alone? Do they grab the car keys, or do they pull out their iPhones?

Click on POSTS and see what we discovered.