10 Hobbies Made Easier By The Internet

It’s arguable that one of the greatest technological advancements of this generation is the increased development of the Internet.  The net can be used for a lot of things and it seems to be constantly growing.

One thing that seems will forever be shaped by the Internet is how we go about satisfying our hobbies.  From the use of the web for restaurant reviews for the foodies out there to those that are always on the hunt for antique furniture online, the way we go about our hobbies is different than it was before we went online.

Filmmaker

Whether making films is a hobby or a job, there has never been a more accessible time to make your movie than right now.  Thanks to video sharing sites like Youtube and Vimeo, as well as crowd-funding sites like Kickstarter, you may be able to find financial backers and distribution all over the web.

Music Freak

Even back when people were still trying to figure out the limits of the web, they figured out how to use it to share music.  The early days of Napster has now given life to streaming options like Pandora, Spotify, and iTunes Radio.

Antique Collector

While brand name stores dominate online shopping, one of the best examples of a hobby being aided by unfettered access is that of the antique collector.  Just a simple search in your web browser can yield thousands of results if you’re looking for anything like antique furniture for sale online or rare baseball cards.  Whether you look on e-marketplaces like eBay or more specific web stops, you can find just about any rare piece you’re looking for online.

Film Buff

If you fancy yourself a cinephile, it’s almost hard to believe that people once knew what movies they wanted to see without doing their research online.  At the click of a mouse, you can access movie reviews, trailers, production notes, and even order your tickets all thanks to the countless websites devoted to movie news.

Foodie

Like to try new restaurants?  Find the next one on your scavenger hunt with yelp and see what other people are saying about the menu, the staff, or the atmosphere.  You can even find menus online and some restaurants will allow you to make reservations from your computer.  Prefer the accomplishment of making your own delicacies?  There are plenty of recipes to be found online that can cater to any diet.

Gearhead

Restoring a classic car is a long labor of love, but can you imagine what it was like to call up every junkyard and parts supplier to find the pieces you need to complete your masterpiece?  Once again, eBay, as well as any other online marketplace has you covered.  In no-time, you can pull up search results for any distributor cap, gasket, or piston you could possibly want and more often than not, you can see multiple pictures as to the condition of said part.

Bookworm

Sure, for some purists, there’s probably no greater joy than spending hours upon hours looking in used bookstores for a great find.  For those that are on the go and just looking for something quick, the Internet has you covered.  With the invention of e-Readers like the Kindle and the Nook, you can have a full library with you wherever you go.

Road Warrior

Taking to the open road is one of the most freeing adventures anyone can experience.  If you’re a fan of road trips, gone are the days of atlases and road maps.  Now, with Google Maps, you can pinpoint exactly where you want to go and get turn-by-turn directions.  Of course, if you’re a true free spirit, you may just want to wing it, but it can also help you if you’re looking for a hotel at 2 am. 

Fashionista

While the Internet may not be able to put extra money in your bank account, online arms of stores are usually filled with exclusive deals.  In-store shopping has almost been made obsolete by companies embracing the benefits of online shopping and with full pictures of merchandise and shipping deals, you can get some really great styles for less than you’d think.

Sports Fan

Some people live and breathe sports, and those people definitely have a corner of the Internet to call their own.  Sports scores, fantasy games, even betting can be done online and with sites like ESPN, Yahoo Sports, and Deadspin, you can be sure that your knowledge is always up-to-the-minute.

The Internet has had plenty of applications and will continue to do so.  With each advancement, it seems that our hobbies may get easier and easier.

David has worked on restoring old cars ever since he was a teenager.  He lives in Allentown, PA and is working on bringing his dad's old Chevelle back to life.