If you asked someone how they spent their downtime a few years ago, their answer would be different from what it is now. That is because our downtime was typically spent going for a walk or relaxing in our homes.
Although we still engage in these activities, technology has changed how we engage in them. Now, most people spend their downtime using some form of tech, whether that’s a mobile phone or a tablet. This article will explore eight ways technology has changed our downtime from playing games in online casinos to reading books on a tablet.
Virtual Events
Some people may choose to spend their downtime attending events. Maybe it is a local gaming convention? Or an art exhibition? What if we told you that technology has even managed to influence these events? Now you can attend an event virtually, without needing to leave your home.
Companies have jumped on this trend in a bid to promote their events around the world. People can hold live shows online with chat boxes so viewers can interact with one another, regardless of where they are in the world. It has revolutionised the way that people attend events in their downtime.
Now, if you want to attend an exhibition across the country, you can, thanks to these virtual events. You can find virtual events near you by conducting a quick online search.
Reading On Tablets
There is no need to travel down to your local library anymore. If you like to read a book in your downtime, you can access some of the most recent bestselling books at your fingertips.
Although reading books on tablets is not the most recent technology that has come to light, it shows you how technology has changed how we engage in certain activities. Some may argue that there is nothing better than buying a physical book from your local book shop. The truth is that one is not better than the other.
However, there are some obvious benefits of reading books on tablets. Firstly, readers no longer have to carry around multiple books, which can be pretty heavy. They can also easily download new books on the go, which is ideal for those who love to read while travelling.
Streaming
Streaming is a phenomenon that has taken over the world. There are plenty of streaming services that people now use to watch some of their favourite TV series and access some of the latest music. Netflix is one of the obvious ones that you may know about. Since it emerged in 2007, it has paved the way for streaming services.
You will find that many people spend their downtime watching shows and listening to music via these platforms. Their ease of use makes it easy for people to access the shows they want – without the burden of watching multiple ad breaks in-between. It is a trend that doesn’t seem to be dying down any time soon.
In fact, streaming services are likely to influence our downtime for years to come. This is just the beginning.
Playing Games On The Go
Playing games in our downtime used to mean a board game like Scrabble or Monopoly. Now technology has evolved, mobile gaming has taken centre stage. Players can access their favourite games while they are on the go. All thanks to their electronic devices.
Gone are the days of physical board games (although some of us still use them). The mobile gaming industry has taken the world by storm. Online casino sites have helped to make this change as popular as it is. They are home to hundreds of games that players can access right at their fingertips.
So, no matter where they are in the world, they can take their favourite games on the move. You can find some of the best casino sites by following this link. Gaming on the go has never been easier!
Creating Art
Art is a vast subject and one that people can interpret in many different ways. Art comes in various forms. Some people might choose to paint a picture in their downtime, while others want to build sculptures out of sustainable materials. Technology has heavily influenced the creation of art in recent years.
Now, we see people moving away from traditional methods. Instead, they create art digitally. People can learn how to draw in their downtime or enhance their current skills without the need to buy physical art supplies. Instead, they can use a tablet as a blank canvas. Using just their hands, people can create a piece of digital artwork in a matter of minutes.
You no longer have to worry about making mistakes – or wasting expensive materials; use an eraser tool instead. This is ideal for those who love to engage in art in their spare time as tablets are also easier to transport.
Fundraising
If you cast your minds back to a few years ago, your idea of a fundraiser would likely be something like a local village fate, or maybe a group in your local area did a sponsored walk? Local bake sales are also a popular option. These are all traditional forms of fundraising.
Although they still exist, the idea of fundraising has now changed. Thanks to technology, people can hold a virtual fundraiser and gain donations from people worldwide. There are now websites that can help people start a new fundraising journey.
Click here for more information. People can now donate to their favourite charities without attending a fundraiser. It means people can support the causes that mean the most to them without the fear of missing out on fundraising events.
Fitness
Most people like to spend their downtime keeping fit and active, which we should all try to do. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is not only good for the body but also good for the mind. Most people spend time keeping fit in the gym or attending fitness classes.
However, technology has changed how people exercise; now, most can do it from their own homes. This is all down to fitness apps and online workout videos. People can get the fitness fix they need in their downtime – without needing to leave the house.
It frees up time that would usually be spent travelling to classes, so it can be spent on other activities you enjoy. Take a look at the sheer amount of free workout videos available online. You no longer need to pay for a gym membership, as you have everything you need at your fingertips.
Instant Communication
Do you remember when staying in contact with someone meant writing a letter? Now, technology has drastically changed the way that we communicate with our loved ones. You will now find that people make plans via instant messaging services. This means making plans – and staying in contact with people – has become more accessible than ever.
Gone are the days of waiting around to see if your friend will turn up. Instead, you can text one another to ensure your plans are still going ahead. You can even send each other your location to let them know you have arrived at your chosen destination on the day.
Instant messaging services – like Snapchat – mean we can stay in touch with our loved ones, even those who live across the globe. It has completely changed the way that we communicate with others.
