Most people have hobbies like reading books or going online. However, once the categories get less broad, people tend to be less accepting of other people’s hobbies. People who read books are generally seen as normal, especially in academic settings. However, reading graphic novels could be seen as much more juvenile, despite the fact that the stories may be much more complex and relevant to the world than the plots of certain novels.

Other people may enjoy collecting things, such as comic books or rocks. At RPI, even less common hobbies are generally accepted. People who play Dungeons & Dragons aren’t seen as overtly weird here, and modifying computers is seen as perfectly normal.

However, the more obsessive a person gets about his hobby, the more others will mock or pity him for it. World of Warcraft players who spend all day and night in their rooms and come out only to restock their supply of Red Bull are a prime example. Admittedly, I’ve only ever heard anecdotal stories about these people, and have never actually encountered anyone this focused on the game.

As long as hobbies are practiced in moderation, though, they are good for people. They give people a way to relax and focus on things that aren’t directly related to their future. It doesn’t matter what other people think of your hobby as long as you enjoy it. (This assumes that the hobby in question is not illegal or irritating to others, such as practicing the drums with no sound barrier between you and people who might be trying to study.)