In the private sphere, the often-mentioned digital transformation has long since taken place. According to current surveys, nine out of ten households in Europe own a computer or laptop with an Internet connection. The same number of people also own smartphones, which, thanks to inexpensive flat-rate tariffs for gigabytes, can be used to access online content from anywhere. The extent to which constant online communication affects our daily lives is evidenced by the fact that digital leisure is taken for granted. It is also noticeable that former analog activities are moving into the digital space. Especially in the last few years, this trend has gained momentum again.
Taking a closer look at our daily routines, it's hard to deny that we live in the digital age. Smartphones, tablets, and other smart devices are everywhere. Thanks to events since 2020, digital communication has become even more important. Many people have been looking for alternatives in the virtual world due to limited contacts. Digitalization was able to make a real leap in some areas. Suddenly, it became quite normal not to leave the house in the morning, but to do office work in the living room or on the kitchen table in a home office.
In addition, changes are particularly noticeable in the way we spend our free time. Ideas born out of necessity have quickly become the starting point for digitizing essentially analog hobbies and have created the basis for a new type of digital community. It is no longer necessary to go to the gym to play sports, as you can train with a virtual trainer in your living room. In this context, the smartphone plays a key role as a kind of virtual Swiss knife. With the constant use of social media apps such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, the phone function is becoming almost secondary.
The undisputed classics of digital hobbies are and probably will remain games. Better and better graphics and Hollywood-level games are no longer just impressing experienced gamers. In addition to a game console or PC, mobile devices are increasingly being used. The usual game for smartphones has already received competition for short leisure time between them. The iGaming industry has taken center stage in the gaming market and offers additional opportunities, especially for casual gamers. Real-money casinos such as bonusxpert.dk are becoming more and more common on the Internet, and they are not only hugely popular thanks to the new regulations from 2021. Virtual casinos combine innovative approaches and modern options tailored to the needs of users. And although online casinos allow you to play from anywhere in the world, there are certain factors that make it better to choose a local provider: read more here.
If that's not enough for you, you can also interact with other players in an immersive and realistic way thanks to virtual reality (VR). Casinos are realizing the appeal of this concept and are constantly expanding their VR offerings in combination with live game streaming. The concept of augmented reality (AR) follows a similar approach, in which virtual content is superimposed on images of our real environment. Years ago, smartphone games like Pokémon Go demonstrated how to integrate this idea into innovative gameplay.
Of course, leisure for most people today is unthinkable without movies and TV shows. Although this is not a new development, linear television in this context has long gone out of fashion. Numerous streaming services make everything from classics to the latest blockbuster available at the click of a button. Series and movies can now be watched anywhere and at any time of the day. Digitization and the emergence of streaming providers have made everyone their own program director. Thus, watching many episodes or entire series at a time is also considered a normal hobby in Denmark.
Watching the latest movie hits via video on demand has long been as important as going to the cinema. The situation is similar in the world of music. Instead of buying albums, people prefer to stream their own playlists that contain only the songs they really like. There are also countless audiobooks and podcasts available on music streaming platforms, often replacing linear radio programs.
The upheaval of recent years in the fitness and sports industries has been particularly great. Due to the temporary closure of fitness studios and clubs, home sports have significantly regained their popularity. However, the new version of this phenomenon is fundamentally different from the hype of training videos of past decades. Instead of the previous gymnastics on a VCR, personalized training is now the order of the day. Although providers also use moving images here, the videos are often highly interactive and can also motivate people who are not into sports. For people who, due to their busy daily lives, cannot find time to go to the gym, the digital sports and health offer will really make a difference.
Digitization is not limited to cultural offerings either. Virtual museum tours or VR city tours are no longer science fiction and are being used by more and more people. In addition, live events such as concerts, musicals, or plays can be conveniently streamed from the comfort of your couch. Since existing cultural offerings are not easily accessible to everyone or traveling halfway around the world is simply too expensive, these virtual experiences are a good complement to the local offer.
The triumph of streaming means that we are increasingly selective, but at the same time consume more media content. VR and AR extend the immersive experience far beyond photo albums, linear TV and radio. Like-minded people can be found in minutes through social media channels, so even fans of niche hobbies can share information about their interests in close-knit communities. The constant availability of the Internet also offers everyone the opportunity to constantly acquire new knowledge and learn about unfamiliar subjects. Instead of the isolation often caused by digitization, there is actually a real broadening of horizons. Origin and location in the world are becoming less and less important, and more and more people are open to new experiences.
