The Top Internet Pastimes that Just Won’t Quit!
Are you thinking what the top internet pastimes? There’s no doubt that Internet usage is reaching saturation point in the digital age, with penetration rates in the US peaking at 92% as recently as January 2022.
At this time, there were approximately 307.2 million Internet users in the United States, while this number continues incrementally year-on-year throughout the developed world.
Of course, having access to the Internet can unlock a broad and increasingly diverse range of activities in the digital age. Here are a few to get you started!
Online Gaming (in all of its Numerous Forms)
As of the end of 2021, there were over one million video games in the gaming industry, with these existing as standalone titles and components within incredibly popular franchises.
Increasingly, you can play all of your favorite desktop and video games online and interactively, whether you enjoy multiplayer strategy titles or first-person shooter games that enable you to work in teams. The most recent video game console generations have certainly benefited from online integration, connecting players on a much deeper level and creating a more immersive experience for all players involved.
Online gaming is definitely a fun pastime and one that can be tailored to include different games and genres depending on your preferences.
By identifying the best and most suitable games for you, it’s also possible to guarantee the most relaxing experience when online. If you wish to, you can also engage in competitive and challenging games, where you test your skill or strategic mind against similar, like-minded players.
The online gambling and remote sports betting markets have also exploded in the US of late, with six US states having legalized iGaming since 2011.
Since the Supreme Court struck down the PAPSA legislation (which had previously banned sports betting at the Federal level) in May 2018, more than 30 states have also legalized this practice and opened lucrative Treasury revenues in the form of taxation.
West Virginia has recently emerged as one of the fastest-growing iGaming markets stateside, with the best WV online casinos offering a secure and immersive gameplay experience that provides access to a diverse range of titles and verticals.
So, if you live in WV and are looking to pass the time either online or when using your smartphone, online gaming, and remote gambling remain highly popular pastimes.
Visit a Virtual Museum
If you’re looking for a more culturally enriching experience, you could also leverage your Wi-Fi or mobile Internet connection to check out a virtual museum.
These entities offer you access to some of the world’s most famous art and sculptures, which can be accessed cheaply and wherever you may be in the world.
For example, The National Art Gallery in Washington DC offers immersive, virtual tours of its galleries, as does The British Museum and The National Museum of Modern Contemporary Art in Seoul.
Some such locations are even available for free, while paid virtual art museums often host digital tours at a considerably more competitive price. This means that you can check out your favorite artists and works of art regardless of your financial budget or international location!
Create a Social Media Presence
There’s no doubt that social media has taken over the virtual world, with poster boy Facebook having blazed a trail for others to follow since 2005.
While social media and platforms like Instagram and TikTok are synonymous with younger generations, however, this overall perception doesn’t quite tally with the statistics.
In fact, the proportion of 55 to 64-year-olds regularly using social media passed the 50%-mark way back in 2015, while the proportion of over-65s who were active on social media channels also breached this threshold in 2018.
Interestingly, social media has become an increasingly trusted and accessed news source in recent years, even among older generations.
So, you can use your various social channels and profiles to connect with others, scroll through interesting stories and even keep abreast with national news events as they unfold!
Internet Pastimes: The Last Word
As we can see, the virtual realm is home to a number of different pastimes and activities, from online gaming and casino gambling to virtual museums and social media browsing.
Overall, the Internet is an excellent vehicle through which to discover virtually, based on your core interests and any online restrictions that may exist in your geographical location.
The Internet is also ideal for purposes such as exploration and learning, presenting it in a highly positive light despite the criticism that it garners and its frequent misuse.
