The rapid development of the internet – a digital space where people can learn, interact, access media content, and complete everyday tasks – has had a material impact on human behavior. For centuries, each and every one of our actions took place in physical, ‘face-to-face’ environments; nowadays, a considerable chunk of our daily activity is conducted online. This change in circumstance is particularly evident when reviewing the way in which we seek entertainment.As the size and scope of the online world continue to 

grow at an alarming rate, and the progress of technological advancement maintains its pace, we increasingly use the internet as a consistent source of entertainment.

Anything we read or view through other entertainment channels – via books, television, or cinema – is likely to be available somewhere on the internet, alongside an endless bank of content from all four corners of the globe. Indeed, regardless of how niche or unique your interests are, you will invariably be able to find relevant content online.

Online Games

Many gamers now play video games online and often use hosting platforms to socialize with friends and meet new people.

There has also been a substantial surge in how many people use online casinos. Rather than visiting land-based gaming establishments, people can now easily access digital gambling sites to play classic table games and slot titles. As a result, online platforms such as Metaspins Casino have seen membership numbers soar in recent years.

With current evidence from IIPS India indicating this will continue as online games appeal to a wide range of adults. Most modern video game developers rely on the internet in some way, whether that be to deliver updates to in-game content, sell add-ons and supplementary packages, or communicate important information to users.

Streaming

Streaming sites can be used to watch a variety of different types of content, from blockbuster movies to live streams of IPL matches. As alluded to earlier, virtually anything you watch on ‘regular’ television is available online and is typically accessible at any time. Therefore, there has been a colossal shift in how many people use laptops, PCs, tablets – and indeed SMART TVs (internet-ready television devices) – in order to facilitate their viewing. Unlike downloading content, streaming does not take up much-needed computer memory space. Once the stream ends, it disappears – no files are saved to your device.

Unsurprisingly, streaming audiences have increased dramatically of late – this year, Statista suggested that circa 550m Indians will have watched an online video at some stage in 2023.  

eSports

Over the last decade or so, the profile and popularity of eSports has increased immeasurably. This activity sees highly-skilled video game players compete in formal, organized tournaments and competitions, in the same way conventional sports stars participate in their respective disciplines.

These contests are often watched by millions of players online, with viewers able to follow the action on streaming sites. Clearly, video game producers and other companies are keen to commercially exploit this growing interest, and therefore spend considerable sums advertising their products during eSports events. The eSports industry is expected to generate an eye-watering $1.5bn in revenue during 2023. 

Virtual tours

It is now possible to take a tour of a building, without having to physically visit the premises in person. Virtual tours enable you to view the layout and internal contents of buildings through an electronic device, therefore enabling you to sample various sites from a remote location. As recommended by Travel and Leisure, you will be able to study paintings in an art gallery, take in the architecture of a historic building, and observe artifacts in a museum, all from the palm of your hand!

For a more immersive experience, you may opt to use a VR headset in order to enhance the realism of your virtual tour. 

Social media

As well as providing a great way to regularly connect with friends and family, social media platforms also allow us to track the activities of idols and influencers, access important news and information, and watch video content that seeks to inform and entertain. An increasing number of people are now using social media for professional purposes, reaching out to recruiters directly and discussing work-related projects via apps such as LinkedIn and Yammer. Indeed, a recent study showed that 79% of job seekers use social media platforms when looking for employment openings. 

Of course, there are plenty of other forms of modern entertainment available online. Aware of the size of the financial opportunity on offer, businesses and enterprising individuals are always eager to provide online products and services, and therefore the internet provides an abundance of choice in this regard.

Furthermore, companies who typically operate in ‘physical’ environments, are keen to digitally re-invent the experiences they can offer consumers – online casinos and virtual tours are examples of these efforts coming to fruition. Therefore, the internet gives us the chance to sample ‘traditional’ pastimes in a completely different way.