10 Ways to Entertain Yourself Online When You’re Bored 

If you’re struggling to find something to do, a device with an online connection can unlock a world of worthwhile entertainment. Online activities have come a long way from the days of dial-up modems, and the options we have at our fingertips grow more varied by the day.

Our pursuit of novel entertainment has even led to new media, from the birth of streaming networks to the mobile gaming takeover of the video game market. To help you navigate such an overwhelming amount of content, look at 10 online pursuits that can end your boredom in a heartbeat.

1. Watch movies and series

Video content is highly accessible nowadays. You can watch a plethora of categories, and all you need is a smartphone. In fact, there’s so much free content available that you don’t have to sign up for a subscription service if you don’t want to.

Streaming networks like Hulu and Netflix offer premium content for a relatively low fee, but there’s nothing wrong with jumping on Youtube for content, and it’s surprising how high the quality of some productions can be.

2. Chat on social media

Social media allows us to stay connected no matter where we are in the world. Thanks to networking technology, you can use apps like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to build and maintain all your personal relationships.

You can reach out to old friends, find groups of new people who share the same interests as you, or simply chat to a bot and see where the conversation takes you. Not every interaction will be worth your time, but the possibilities are exciting nonetheless.

3. Go blogging

Reading blogs is a great way to pass the time. Once you find a subject that interests you, the hours will fly by as you click on link after link of thought-provoking content. What’s more, you’re probably learning something new in the process. 

If you feel like writing rather than reading, why not start your own blog? Starting your own web page is a straightforward process. There are a ton of tools that make it easier for the average user, and you can go from imagining to publishing in a matter of minutes.

4. Play online games

If you’re in the mood for fun and games, online gaming provides everything you need to escape reality for a bit. Gaming is behind some of the biggest trends in entertainment right now, with a genre to suit every taste and all ages.

Not a fan of video games? How about card games or board games? Almost all games have a digital equivalent, and you have access to all of them when you’re online. Many popular games are free to download, so you can try out most genres at no cost.

5. Listen to music

Listening to music has the power to transform your mood. Apps like Spotify provide unrestricted access to any artist, and you can create or browse playlists to your heart’s content. 

When you’ve had enough music for the day, you can also try and listen to a few podcasts. They’re great for listening to discussions of trendy topics, and most are produced daily or weekly, which means that you always have a new episode to look forward to.

6. Check the news

Paying attention to the news has its ups and downs, but it’s important to stay up-to-date on current affairs. Our modern world is fast-paced and full of captivating stories, and there’s a good reason why some people call the internet the ‘information highway’.

Online news sources offer everything from the weather to the latest celebrity gossip. You can read up on the biggest stories at any time, and most topics can be entertaining with the right attitude.

7. Go shopping

Retail therapy can be incredibly satisfying, especially when you have a bit of money to burn. The fact that online orders get delivered straight to your door makes it even better, but it also means that it’s easy to buy the wrong product.

If you want to enjoy your online shopping, make it a habit to read product reviews before you make any purchases. That way, you get a good idea of what the product’s true value is, an advantage for the consumer that was hard to come by back in the day.

8. Study a skill

Building a skill in your downtime is one of the best ways you can spend your idle time. Choosing a topic that’s entertaining is the hardest part, but there are plenty of online courses that make education fun and compelling.

DIY videos on Youtube are especially popular. Institutions like the Khan Academy offer free courses, and you don’t have to leave the house to get a college-level degree. Best of all, an online connection and a desire to learn are all you need.

9. Watch live events

All major sports, concerts, and other live events can be viewed online via real-time broadcasts. At any given moment, someone around the world is playing a sport or performing in front of a crowd, so there’s always a game or a performance to watch.

Some musicians have performed live events in video games. These virtual concerts can draw millions of people, such as the ones held in Fortnite, for example. All you have to do is choose your preferred platform, register an account, and you’re good to go.

10. Workout

Working out doesn’t have to be a chore when you have the internet on your side. Whether it’s workout videos or the latest biokinetic research, you can pursue any avenue of exercise you put your mind to if you have the right instructor.

Health-focused influencers such as sports coaches and physiotherapists are your best bet. They offer expert advice on all sorts of routines and health topics, often using a charismatic or comedic persona to keep you engaged.