The technological transformation of leisure

There is a large body of literature examining the role of communication tec hnologies in the shaping of contemporary society. One area that has not bee n sufficiently considered in the literature is the influence of technology on the organization and experience of leisure. Historically, there has alwa ys been a relationship between technology and leisure, but the increasing u se of the Internet and computer gaming technology during leisure time is fa cilitating a transformation in contemporary leisure activity and has releva nce for themes in both leisure and Internet research. This article presents a brief examination of the historical relationship between technology and leisure, before examining the implications of technological change for them es in leisure and Internet research. Examined with reference to computer te chnology and the use of the Internet are (a) activity, place, and meaning; (b) leisure freedom and constraint; (c) deviant leisure; and (d) leisure an d health.