Traditional pastimes finding a new home online

Spending time away from screens is increasingly difficult. It doesn’t mean you’re hooked on doomscrolling short-form content – with most traditional pastimes finding a new home online, doing what you love digital-free is almost impossible.

And there are advantages to be found in this shift, which has itself made it easier for people to access activities and information that brings them joy. Discover how our most-loved hobbies are being reimagined in the digital era.

An open notebook with blank lined pages rests on a table, accompanied by a spiral-bound notebook filled with handwritten notes, with a black pen and a yellow pencil lying beside them.

Paper-based activities

From reading to journalling and doing puzzles, paper-based activities are classic. While the physical sensations can be part of the joy of these hobbies, moving them online has given enthusiasts more freedom with how they enjoy them.

You might not get the sensory thrill of flipping through the pages of a book which has ‘that new book smell’ but reading on a device has many benefits. First and foremost, you have an unlimited library and the best deals at your fingertips, with many novels available for free. It’s also more comfortable, lightweight and easier to hold with adjustable lighting to prevent eyestrain and facilitate reading at night without a light.

Keeping a digital journal actually helps you get creative, allowing you to add photos, audio and weather details, making your memories much richer. Similarly, puzzle books are now platforms with limitless challenges to sink your teeth into, and working online makes it easier to backtrack when you turn down the wrong road.

Two young men sitting on a sofa, playing video games with excitement. One is laughing while holding a game controller, and the other is observing with a smile. The room is softly lit with a warm glow.

Group games & events

Forget the stress of organising gatherings to play board games. You can join players from all over the world in cooperative, combative or competitive quests, with everything from old classics to the latest trends accessible online. Live chat and video features make it easy to communicate so you still get that social thrill. Even traditional in-person events like bingo sessions can be enjoyed online, with specialist sites offering bingo promotions including free-to-play games and fun themed updates on old formats.

Interactive virtual events are also growing in popularity. Enjoy live-streamed game nights and quizzes without leaving your home!

Close-up of various crafting and office supplies including brown packing tape, colorful washi tape rolls, scissors, a rotary cutter, sticky notes, and pens on a blue background.

Arts & crafts

That’s right, even hands-on arts and crafts hobbies are getting a digital makeover, with companies and independent experts offering video tutorials on everything from crochet to watercolour painting. Whether you want to start a new craft or perfect your existing skills, these platforms offer step-by-step guidance that will help you get the results you want, every time.

The beauty of this digital twist on traditional crafts is the accessibility. You can pause, rewind, and follow the instructions at your own pace, making the process less intimidating. Plus, the global community of crafters allows you to share work with and get feedback from like-minded individuals from around the world.

Two women practicing meditation outdoors on yoga mats, sitting cross-legged with water bottles beside them.

Health & fitness

For those who enjoy physical activity, technology has added a new layer of excitement to traditional sports. Apps have gamified training with challenges, leaderboards and virtual races, encouraging participants to push further within personal limits, while sharing information from experts to protect and inspire.

Smartwatches track your progress in real time, recording key metrics like steps, calories burned, and heart rate. With this data, you can set achievable goals and see your improvement over time. Even if you’re not a competitive athlete, these digital tools add an element of fun to your workout routine, turning fitness into a more dynamic and measurable hobby.

Group of people participating in an outdoor fitness class, performing high-knee exercises. The scene features bright sunlight and greenery in the background.

Education & learning

Love learning in your spare time? With a device to hand, you can explore any subject you can think of, from any location! Simply browse reliable resources, from news articles to academic journals, and become an expert in any subject that captures your imagination. Masterclass videos are a popular way to learn, and there are experts offering guidance on every subject under the sun, from cooking to building self-confidence. This convenience makes it easier to stay engaged and keep progressing.

Additionally, the internet now makes it possible to take educational journeys that once required travel or scheduled sessions, like virtual tours of art galleries or museums, or language-learning courses.