We are in a privileged position compared to generations of old – the internet enables us to do more than ever before. By the beginning of the twenty-first century, the digital space had grown exponentially, as people began to use the internet to help complete a variety of everyday tasks. In recent times, there has been another noticeable behavioral shift, as we increasingly access online content for the purpose of entertainment.
The way in which different entertainment sources are used can vary dependent on the location of the consumer. We take a look at five popular online activities and attempt to understand their status and usage in the UK and U.S.
Casinos
Classic table games, exciting slot titles, and bingo format contests are all available online at various sites, enabling you to re-create the type of experience you would expect to have at a typical brick-and-mortar casino. At a real money online casino, you will be able to play any of these games without having to leave the comfort of your own living room.
In 2021 alone, the U.S gambling industry (inclusive of sports betting) was believed to be worth approximately $9.5bn, highlighting the immense popularity of this activity in the U.S. A recent study suggested almost 27% of UK inhabitants gamble on a weekly basis, a statistic which appears to grow with each passing year.
Shopping
The popularity of online shopping has risen dramatically in recent years, with customers often able to access more choices, find a better value, and enjoy a more convenient experience when buying products online.
Although many people spend their disposable cash online, purchasing goods such as designer clothes or expensive technological equipment, the internet also provides an opportunity for individuals to buy essential items – grocery shopping, work/school uniforms, and household appliances can also be bought this way.
Particularly in the U.K., the seismic growth of online shopping has had a negative impact on high streets, as brick-and-mortar stores (grappling with high rental costs and operational expenditure) struggle to maintain pace with internet competitors.
社交媒体
The advent of social media has revolutionized the way we consume news, communicate with one another, and update friends, family (and strangers!) about our everyday lives. Scrolling through social media platforms is often a great source of entertainment, with plenty of users posting engaging content on a regular basis.
Current reports suggest social media uptake in the U.S. is marginally greater in the UK. It is believed 70% of the U.S. population are active social media users, compared to an equivalent figure of 66% in the UK.
Quizzes
There are a host of online quiz pages, which provide questions covering every imaginable topic or theme.
All good quiz sites regularly update their content, ensuring users are always able to attempt to answer new questions and access different types of quiz-based games. This also helps to keep scores accurate – correct answer sets can change and expand over time!
Sporcle an online quiz platform headquartered in the U.S., is arguably the planet’s most famous trivia site, with thousands of visitors each day.
Video streaming
As huge swathes of the planet’s population now own a smartphone, many people have the ability to record clear, uninterrupted footage at a moment’s notice. Unsurprisingly, this has resulted in a barrage of amusing, informative, and often bizarre videos being made, which are routinely uploaded onto streaming sites.
Professional streaming platforms, which charge users a subscription fee (e.g.Netflix, Disney +, Apple TV, etc), enable viewers to watch the latest television shows, documentaries, and blockbuster films at the touch of a button.
A recent government study in the U.K. revealed one in two of the country’s inhabitants subscribes to at least one streaming platform. According to business news outlet, Forbes, this figure is even higher in the U.S., with 78% of American households in possession of one or more subscriptions.
