People are now hopping on stick horses instead of real ones, leaping over obstacles - sometimes even on roller skates. This peculiar activity is currently the top trending niche hobby on YouTube, with views of clips featuring this bizarre pastime increasing by a whopping 312% since March 2023. Love Island star Chris Taylor can be seen in one such clip, horsing around and hilariously showcasing his lack of skills while trying out other unusual hobbies.
The amusing video comes after a study of 2,000 adults revealed that 14% have kept their hobbies a secret from their loved ones. The main reasons for this secrecy include fear of judgement (46%) and concern about seeming odd or weird (38%). According to Google trends data, unconventional hobbies like Hobby Horsing, mini-baking, and Kintsugi - the art of repairing broken pottery - are gaining popularity.
The study was commissioned by YouTube Shorts, which has teamed up with independent clothing brand Everpress to create a range of free limited-edition t-shirts to encourage Brits to proudly display their passions without fear of judgement. The survey also discovered that 54% of those polled prefer to learn a new hobby away from people they know - either alone or with strangers. However, despite being shy about their hobbies, exactly three-quarters - rising to 83% among 18-24 year-olds - consider their passions to be an essential part of their identity.
Furthermore, 59% believe that having interesting hobbies influences how others perceive them. A whopping 75% of people say that watching others enjoy niche hobbies online has given them the courage to try out a specific pastime themselves, with this number soaring to 85% among 18-24 year olds. Meanwhile, nearly half (48%) regret not picking up more hobbies or sticking with one in their youth.
Chris Taylor commented: "I'm excited to be part of a campaign that encourages people to embrace their unique interests and quirks." "With three quarters of the nation considering their passions an integral part of their identity, it's an important message to have pride in your hobbies." "As a passionate rollerskater, I love seeing niche hobbies on the rise.
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