Although i agree with RebYidd that this is a “false dilemma” — if i were to take the question seriously, i believe the answer to these things is what are you replacing it (e.g. sports) with. Even though i think that people here when they say “bittul zman/bittul torah” are saying it “tounge in cheek” (maybe) — when you say it to a kid or adult — they dont often say — right — what was i thinking — back to the beis medrash. Either you believe in leisure time or you dont. If someone enjoys painting (even if the are not a good artist) is better/worse than someone who enjoys watching sports? Is Jazz worse than classical? Maybe if its not assur — its permitted. (I am aware of the Ramban on kedoshim tehyu). Therse are rhetorical questions for the most part.
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