Sam Capece
News Editor

Students at Orono and teenagers in general have a wide array of options for entertainment at their disposal. There are endless choices, from physical activities like sports to technology like video games. Are teenagers wasting their time after school, or is there a purpose to the hours of time put into leisurely activities? Studies show that personality has a big part to do with what teens are choosing to do with their free time.

“In my free time, I like to spend time with the boys. When I surround myself with people who are funny and adventurous I often find myself going on crazy day trips to the city, cabin weekends up north and quiet nights filled with intellectual conversations,” senior Jack Welch said.
Hanging out with friends is something that most students would choose as their favorite form of entertainment. Spending high school years with close friends is something that many people can relate to. According to an article in the International Journal of Behavioral Development, being with peers is associated with higher happiness and lower anxiety than being alone. Socialization with friends positively reinforces a teenager’s emotional state and how they cope with stress.

“My most preferred way of entertainment is spending time with friends. Additionally, I enjoy physical activities which would include sports. I do gymnastics and diving. I also enjoy biking during the summer when it is nice outside,” freshman Rylan Hunt said.

In Orono and many other high schools, it is obvious that students are very involved in team sports and various physical activities provided by the school. Adolescents participating in athletics have enhanced cognitive performance and overall improved psychological health, as well as the physical benefits that come with exercise, according to Psychology Today. Being on a team teaches life long lessons and helps students improve in the classroom and become healthier.

“For entertainment, I play soccer with my team and hang out with friends. I also watch shows on Netflix, usually either the office or the bachelor,” sophomore Tyler Pliemann said.

Sometimes relaxation is necessary, and for most people that means kicking back and watching a show, but there are so many other options to choose from. Interestingly, an article on the National Institute of Health shows that personality and psychological needs account for different preferences for entertainment. People are more likely to choose content that is similar to their personal views. Teenagers were found to choose entertainment based on emotions, identity, and relaxation.

“I consider drawing one of my favorite forms of entertainment. It is a super fun hobby. What makes it entertaining is learning different techniques to get better each time I draw,” junior Abbie Jacoves said.

Creating art for entertainment purposes is something that is often forgotten. It is just as relaxing as watching a show or movie but provides much more value as a hobby. According to Science Direct, free drawing, coloring, and doodling improves attention, health, and well-being. People who draw on a regular basis have improved problem-solving skills and found that it helped them relax.

“Normally for entertainment, I like to go to the school’s sporting events or just hang out with my friends. On days when I can’t really do that I enjoy playing Xbox,” sophomore Matthew Kleve said.

Video games have been a subject of constant debate in our society, with many people arguing that it is harming teens with addiction and social isolation. According to the American Psychological Association, video games actually increase cognitive skills such as memory, reasoning, and perception. They also help problem-solving skills and social abilities depending on the game. Video games can also be relaxing, improve mood and help anxiety.