"The Moment You Listen, Your Brain Resets"... The 'Old Man's Hobby' That Even Actresses Are Addicted to Sweeps the UK [The World Is Z Gold]

Observing Birds in Nature: The Rise of Birdwatching
A Hobby Gaining Popularity for Its Calming Effects
Gen Z Participation Up 1,088% Compared to 2018

Editor's NoteThe Millennials & Gen Z generation (those born from the late 1990s to the early 2010s) is attracting attention as a group that leads culture and trends in a rapidly changing era, setting new standards across society. In [The World Is Z Gold], we spotlight the lives and values of Millennials & Gen Z around the globe to explore how they are changing society.

A birdwatching craze has been sweeping through the younger generation in the United Kingdom. Once considered a hobby for older adults, birdwatching has been rapidly spreading among Millennials & Gen Z, fueled by the culture of sharing on social networking services (SNS). The appeal lies in quietly connecting with nature while also achieving psychological stability.

"UK Millennials & Gen Z, Observing Birds with Binoculars"

AI-generated image.

Recently, The Guardian in the UK introduced the birdwatching phenomenon, reporting, "As birdwatching grows in popularity, it turns out that Millennials & Gen Z are leading the trend." Birdwatching is an activity where people observe the appearance and songs of birds in nature for enjoyment. For this reason, making loud noises that might startle the birds is considered inappropriate. Being able to escape from the busyness of daily life and quietly rest in nature appears to be a factor drawing the interest of young people.

According to the results of a survey published earlier this month by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), approximately 750,000 Millennials & Gen Z in the UK (aged 16 to 29) regularly enjoy birdwatching. This represents an increase of 1,088% compared to 2018. In this survey of more than 24,000 participants, birdwatching was found to be the second fastest-growing hobby among Millennials & Gen Z, after accessory-making.

"Feeling Connected to Nature Is the Attraction"

Photos are unrelated to specific expressions in the article. Pixabay

Recently, the birdwatching culture has been spreading even faster, especially through SNS. Jess Painter (24), a member of the RSPB Youth Council, said, "As information about birdwatching is shared in new ways through SNS, more young people are participating." She explained, "When I’m watching birds, I don’t think about anything else. I feel calm and as if I’m reconnecting with nature." She added, "When you pause to watch and listen to the birds, you continually experience small moments of wonder."

Molly Brown (29), a wildlife advisor at the RSPB, also said, "I am truly delighted to see so many young people becoming interested in birdwatching," and added, "Birdwatching is not an old-fashioned hobby just for a specific generation—more and more young and diverse people are taking an interest." She explained, "Anyone can enjoy this activity, regardless of how much they know about birds. It’s positive, because you can go outside, discover green spaces, get some exercise, and slow down the pace of life for a while."

Additionally, recent analyses suggest that birdwatching can have a positive impact on mental health. Amir Khan, president of the RSPB, explained, "Birdsong at dawn can promote serotonin secretion, which can improve your mood. Humans instinctively want to be connected to nature." He continued, "Humanity has evolved with nature over thousands of years, so the desire to connect with nature exists as an instinct. Listening to the songs of blackbirds and song thrushes is one of life’s purest joys." In fact, recent studies have shown that birdwatching may help slow cognitive decline associated with aging.

Kim Taeri Also Falls for Birdwatching... Growing Interest in Korea

Actor Kim Taeri. YouTube channel 'Netflix Korea'

Meanwhile, the number of people enjoying birdwatching as a hobby is increasing in Korea as well. Notably, actor Kim Taeri and writer Jeong Serang have mentioned birdwatching as a favorite pastime.

In particular, Kim Taeri appeared on the Netflix Korea YouTube channel in May of last year, saying, "I have been consistently birdwatching," and added, "I walk around with binoculars, listening closely to birdsong." She explained, "When I hear a chirping sound, I stop and look. The important thing is to hold your breath. When I hear birdsong, I slowly approach in the direction of the sound—this is a technique I learned through birdwatching."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.