The Alteration and Degradation of Flow

Flow is the focus of an expansive, multi-disciplinary body of research, and often positioned as an element of the “good life.” In recent decades, flow has also entered the popular discourse, risen to a place of cultural ubiquity, and is increasingly perceived as worth pursuing both for its experiential qualities, and the potential benefits it may provide. Unfortunately, as we argue here, truly immersive flow experiences may be increasingly uncommon. Specifically, we discuss how contemporary and potential future developments including (a) growing cultural awareness of, and desire for, flow, (b) the increasing pervasiveness of highly effective, algorithmically driven content-recommendation systems, and (c) the continuing commodification of leisure have or will alter and degrade the flow experience at both the individual and cultural levels. We conclude with some thoughts and questions of our own regarding potential implications, both broadly and specific to the intersection of flow and leisure.