Passion Isn't Enough

Defining Hobbyism

Political hobbyism is a term coined by Eitan Hersh to describe a growing trend where individuals engage with politics as a form of entertainment rather than a means to effect change. He argues that many people treat politics like a hobby, similar to sports fandom, where the focus is on emotional satisfaction rather than meaningful participation 1. This shallow engagement often involves sharing memes or discussing political gossip without any real intention to influence policy or sway opinions 2. Hersh emphasizes that true political engagement requires moving beyond partisan emotions to actively persuade others and drive policy changes 3.

If we define political participation as a form of engagement where you are trying to move public policy or electoral politics in a direction you care about, you have your one vote, and you're convincing another person to vote the way you want or to advocate the way you want. That really doesn't describe the behavior of what most people are doing when they're doing politics.

--- Eitan Hersh

   

Hobbyism Trends

Hobbyism trends reveal a decline in voter engagement in non-national elections, highlighting a preference for spectacle over substance. Eitan Hersh notes that while national elections like the 2008 presidential race saw high turnout, local elections often suffer from low participation, even when they hold significant political weight 4. This trend is exacerbated by media focus on national issues, leaving local politics neglected 5. Additionally, Hersh points out that many individuals claim to vote even when they haven't, indicating a disconnect between perceived and actual political involvement 6.

So a lot of people, like almost half, sometimes of confirmed non voters, that is, people who the public record shows they did not vote. About half of them sometimes say they voted even when they didn't.

--- Eitan Hersh

   

Media Influence

The media plays a crucial role in fostering political hobbyism by treating politics as entertainment. Eitan Hersh compares political rallies to sports events, where the focus is on spectacle rather than substance 7. This approach encourages politicians to cater to short-term emotional demands rather than long-term policy goals, often leading to sensationalism over meaningful discourse 8. Hersh argues that this dynamic distracts from genuine political engagement and empowers those who are serious about wielding power, leaving hobbyists sidelined 9.

What news do political junkies demand? Outrage and gossip. Why? Because it's alluring. What news do we avoid? Local news.

--- Eitan Hersh