Though the internet has been available in India since the early 2000s, It is only in the past decade that Indians are spending more of their free time engaging in online activities. This increased online presence is due to overall improvements to the infrastructure and increased availability of reasonably priced smartphones. As a result, the number of online users in India has more than quadrupled in the past ten years.
Why Free Time Activities Are Important To Individuals Well Being
In today’s hectic society, filled with family and work commitments, it is essential that individuals schedule free time for leisure activities and relaxation. Indians enjoy different activities in their free time such as online streaming, playing and watching Cricket matches, celebrating festivals, eating delicious food, dancing, reading, playing games both off and online, and dancing. These activities all serve to relax them, remove stress, increase cognitive responses, as well as improving mental and physical health. Research proves that people who have free time activities are generally happier and tend to have successful personal and professional lives.
Online Activities Have Become An Important Pastime In India
Streaming Bollywood Films and other forms of entertainment. Indians spend an average of four hours each day enjoying entertainment through online streaming. Bollywood films are an essential part of Indian culture. Over 1500 films are released each year, they are very popular along with sports such as Cricket and Formula 1 Racing. Covid-19 transformed how Indians access their entertainment, now online streaming platforms have made it possible to enjoy entertainment from around the globe. Netflix, Amazon, Disney+, Star Sports, as well as music streaming platforms such as Spotify, and Amazon music are very popular. All of these platforms are available on-demand meaning that viewers can choose when and where they want to watch their favourite programmes and listen to music .
Online Gaming (Including mobile games) has become exceptionally popular since the mid 2000s due to the easier accessibility to reasonably priced smartphones. At present there are almost 491 million online gamers in India. This is a mix of casual gamers, mostly females who enjoy free online games for entertainment and relaxation. Popular games include Call of Duty, CSGO, Ludo King, Fifa, and Candy Crush Saga. India currently has the second largest number of casual online gamers on the planet!
The other group of gamers are competitive gamers, those willing to pay money to play different online games including betting in online casinos. This class of gamers are risk takers who enjoy the adrenaline of taking risks and in the case of gambling are willing to risk losing as well as delighting in the thrill of winning. Popular games include Slots, Poker, Roulette, Sports betting, and Blackjack. Both types of games often feature platforms where players can interact with each other and even work as teams to achieve a common goal. The online gaming industry in India has increased by 8% over the past year and is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Virtual Learning is a very important online resource in India for adults and children. India is the second largest consumer of online learning platforms after the United States. During the pandemic, adults worked from home and children learned their lessons online. This resulted in a change of attitude towards online learning platforms and many adults now take courses to either help advance them professionally or to learn a new skill or hobby. The concept of focusing on actual learning rather than teaching has made it a successful platform for both children and adults and has raised the level of learning around the country. Students can engage in a variety of different courses such as online tutoring or even earning a university degree. Personalised courses are designed to meet the exact needs of each student from young school children to professionals that wish to gain additional qualifications ensuring that each participant has an immersive and enjoyable learning experience. Popular platforms include Byju, Coursera, LinkedIn, and Udemy. Some platforms even include a free trial period.
Social Media Engagement means that Indians easily communicate and share ideas with other users both locally and around the globe. India is the second largest country of internet users who spend around 2.6 hours daily on different social media platforms such as Whatsapp, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Social media brings like minded individuals together for social activities, networking, and promoting businesses.
Online Fitness Programmes have risen in popularity, this is partially due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the closure of sports gyms. Increased the use of virtual fitness training is also due to its easy accessibility. Many Indians cannot access a physical gym due to their geographical location or financial situation. Online fitness programmes are either free or are far less expensive than traditional fitness programmes and therefore are more affordable to a broader client base. At the onset of the pandemic, Indians downloaded the most fitness apps globally by 157% or 58 million new users! Today, almost 50% of the population spends more time engaged in fitness activities than they did before the lockdown between March and May of 2020. Popular activities include cross-country running, strength training, dance fitness routines, aerobics, meditation, and virtual yoga.
The Benefits Of Using Online Platforms
Online activities enrich the lives of Indians. Bollywood films are one way that Indians immerse themselves into the drama and glamour on the big screen and escape the everyday realities of life. Online learning helps individuals to succeed personally and professionally.Traditionally, most Indians do not exercise. The introduction of online fitness programmes has increased the number of people that exercise regularly,with the additional benefits of a healthier lifestyle, fewer illnesses, and better mental well-being. Social media and online gaming are popular pastimes that take users into a virtual universe of fun and exhilaration, builds social communities of like minded individuals and offers fun and relaxing activities that can be enjoyed either at home or on mobile apps.
Online Games – One of India’s Favourite Pastimes
The rise in the number of Indians that enjoy online gaming in the past decade has increased in leaps and bounds. Online casinos have adapted to meet the growing demand and have created versions of classic board games such as Monopoly. If you are a fan of Monopoly, you can also enjoy free time with monopoly live casino game. This 3D game is inspired by the Monopoly board game. Players embark on an adventure with Mr Monopoly who offers players the chance to win amazing prizes along the way. The winnings are based on the bets that are placed with the largest payout at ₹50 lakh. The easily downloadable app means that you can play on the go if you so desire. This is a safe and trustworthy gaming platform where you can enjoy your favorite game in a secure and amazing virtual environment.
