In today’s world, it’s more challenging to find things not to do online; it feels like everything we do is through the internet or our mobile phones. While the internet can be one of the primary sources of procrastination, there’s still no denying that it’s a wonderful tool that allows us to seek out almost any information, service or goods within a few seconds.
As more people try to swim against this tide and opt for dumb phones, delete their social media or attempt to become less reliant on their mobile devices, we’re here to remind you that the internet can be a force for good, especially if you’re looking for some new ideas, or new hobbies to try in the UK. Here’s our pick of the top five:
1. Learn more about your favorite hobbies
While this might seem to be a general point, the internet is such a vast resource that it feels like there’s nothing you can’t stumble across. For instance, if you’re a fan of casino gaming, you’ll be more than aware of how many online casinos are out there, but there’s an increasing number of facilities that describe how the industry works and the variables that review sites look for when their expert reviewers evaluate platforms to see how they shape up against the competition.
Websites like https://www.newcasinos.com/ provide good insight into the variables that experts use when evaluating a casino platform’s offerings – it can range from the selection of games, and their track record on site security to whether they adhere to the correct legislation of the local governing body, such as the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) in the Philippines, or the UK Gambling Commission. It all depends on the jurisdiction, but the highest rated sites will be more than aware of what these legislators expect.
If you’re into podcasting, football, tech, finance or dozens of other topics, you can search out blogs, vlogs and YouTubers who can provide deeper insight into the topic. Of course, it’s best to take many of these people, especially on social media, with a pinch of salt. However, it can be fascinating to learn more about your favorite topics and drink in some of the opinions of others who share your interest.
2. Contact friends you haven’t seen for a while
Checking in on our pals might seem like a task we put off and kick down the road for another day. However, for all the perils of social media, the fact that it can keep us connected with distant friends and family can be seen as a blessing or a curse, depending on which angle you view it from.
Either way, we all have that one friend we’ve been meaning to reach out to but somehow can’t find the time — well, why not do it now? It takes a few seconds to send a friend a message on social media, and it can provide you with a much-needed catchup.
3. Book a trip
If you’re set in your ways or your routine, then the idea of a holiday can be pretty daunting. In a world with all sorts of digital protocols to take on board in order to stay safe on our phones as we navigate around a different country, it can also be a great thing to look forward to.
The internet has stripped away the need to go through travel agents or appointments. It’s one of the top pastimes for Brits, and whether you’re planning the trip of a lifetime or a budget holiday, you can do it online — all from the palm of your hand.
4. Search for a recipe
Millions of people in the UK enjoy cooking or hosting dinner parties, and the internet has pioneered how we seek out recipes or cooking ideas. We can find videos on making our favorite dishes with a little twist to them, check out new ones on YouTube if we fancy something more interactive or scroll through a search engine if we’re just looking for a list of ingredients and instructions.
5. Start a business?
We’re not saying to get your business idea off the ground today. However, if you’re looking for a side hustle or something to tap into a potential second income stream then you can check out the latest business news online, explore the initial steps to register a business, or discuss your potential venture with other people online who have taken the steps and network to find out what they’d recommend and some of the pitfalls they’d avoid.
Final thoughts
The internet can be a minefield, and although it can be an excellent source of information, it’s always best practice to try and fact-check what you’ve found out, so you know the information you’re getting is as factual as possible.
Although Brits use the internet for everything we’ve touched on today, our mobile phones and PCs can be used as a springboard to find anything we want. Some people believe our phones have become too integral to our lives and so commonplace that we need to find a balance. While this is true, it’s naive to suggest that they’re not an incredible force for good when they’re used in the right way either.