Meaning of surrogate activity | Babel Free

Definitions

an artificial, nonessential activity done solely for the sense of fulfillment that comes with having some goal to work towards.

Examples

“[…] devotion to cults and sects that have⟳ no goal beyond that of giving “peace,” “health,” or “inspiration” to their members; aimless, restless movement such as rapid change⟳ of residence and “going for a ride⟳ just to be going’’, petty crime, useless shoplifting; and many other surreptitious or overt surrogate activities practiced by the segmental man.”

“39. We use⟳ the term “surrogate activity” to designate an activity that is directed toward an artificial goal that people set⟳ up for themselves merely in order⟳ to have⟳ some goal to work⟳ toward, or let⟳ us say⟳, merely for the sake of the “fulfillment” that they get⟳ from pursuing the goal.”

“But a parakeet living in captivity is by necessity deprived of natural life. The bird has to make⟳ do with human beings, confined living space, and surrogate activities.”

“She continued, “Beyond midlife crisis, John, and male menopause, whatever that is, is the desire to simply be a man. I mean⟳ in the most basic biological sense⟳, in a way no one wants to speak⟳ about in polite company. To fight⟳ a war, or knock⟳ somebody over the head, or some surrogate activity like⟳ hunting or building a log⟳ cabin or climbing a mountain.”

“Many young men in the West are addicted to video games. They spend⟳ hours and hours hunched over in front of a screen and they spend⟳ tons of money to make⟳ those hours as “fun-filled” as possible. The truth of the matter⟳ is this: video games are a surrogate activity and playing them will NEVER give⟳ you the same rush⟳ as accomplishing something good in the real world.”

CEFR level