Contemporary society, idlement, boredom and time

Abstract

The research aims to discuss the impoverishment of leisure and free time in contemporary society, exploring the relationship between the ability to be alone and the construction of an internal world, in contrast to the excess of information and technological demands. The research focuses on the impacts of technologies and social networks on idle time, without judging technology, but reflecting on the consequences of its predominance. The methodology used was a narrative review of the literature, based on classic authors of psychoanalysis, philosophy and sociology to contextualize the phenomenon today. The results indicate that the valorization of work and digital hyperconnection have reduced the space for leisure, negatively impacting subjectivity, creativity and mental health, which contributes to an increase in diagnoses of depression and anxiety. It also suggests the importance of valuing leisure in modern life, as a way of building and expanding the internal world.