I think a lot of the topics you mentioned are subjective. Watching TV or going through social media can be pointless to some people, but if it is the one that brings joy to people after a long day's work, then it is beneficial for those who do it. One can even argue that it isn't that much different to reading from a fiction book. Diversifying portfolio can mitigate risk, but the attention is split, and the returns versus one that has been focused on will be less. I guess a good discussion is what determines the value of what someone is doing. Is it just monetary. Is it developing a skill that you won't use anywhere. Is it improving relationships with others. It all boils down to what is important to the person. What might be valuable to one, may be of little value to others.