A beginner’s guide to using the internet for entertainment

With an endless supply of entertainment available, it’s tough to get bored on the internet. The World Wide Web has opened up a host of free options, given instant access to a variety of content and allowed more people to create entertainment and art for others to enjoy. Plus, people get to experience improved communication with one another through enhanced video chat options and the ability to share memories with one another.

Basically, the internet has expanded our idea of entertainment far beyond past norms of going to the movie theater or reading magazines. People use the internet for many reasons, but the benefit of entertainment on the internet has transformed most of the world. Here’s how:

Top 5 ways to use the internet for entertainment

1. Treat yourself to quality free content

One of the best benefits of using the internet for entertainment is definitely the low price. You’re probably already paying for an internet connection at home to make sure you have email and social media access. From there, you can locate and enjoy plenty of content on the internet from your phone, TV or computer. Popular, free, online entertainment resources include:

• YouTube videos
• Podcasts
• Music streaming such as Pandora or Spotify
• News sites such as BBC, CNN, Huffington Post, National Public Radio, and Reuters
• Social media platforms, including Facebook and Twitter
• eBook sites like Public Bookshelf
• Game sites, including King.com and Miniclip

2. Utilize parental blocking and web access control

Another top benefit of using the internet for entertainment is you can better control what children in your home can and can’t see. Programming your router using a free parental control service like OpenDNS will help you set a content filter that suits your family’s browsing protection needs. You can block adult content, video-sharing sites, social networking sites and other ways to keep your kids safe.

Programming your router with parental controls should also prevent mobile device access to blocked sites when using the programmed Wi-Fi network, which is great for kids using tablets or grabbing at your phone. If you don’t add parental controls to your router, you can add parental controls directly on your Windows or Mac computer system. Either way, having the option to block certain types of content is a huge asset.

3. Take advantage of live chatting

Chatting on the internet has been one of its most popular uses, especially with physical distancing efforts in mind. Whether you’re FaceTiming from your phone on your home Wi-Fi network or Skyping a friend halfway around the world, you can communicate with others as long as you want all while limiting face-to-face contact.

4. Share photo memories easily

Online photo memory storage is a huge benefit of using the internet for entertainment since you do not have to pay for uploading pictures or purchase a photo book. Pictures of family, life experiences and recent activities can all be labeled and posted online publicly or privately. 

This is one of the most popular activities to do online. Many people use Facebook and Instagram to keep online photo albums of themselves, friends, family and events. Photo-dedicated sites like Flickr, Shutterfly and Snapfish are also popular online photo album sites for keeping memories. Some photo-sharing sites let you order prints if you decide you want physical copies. 

5. Cut the cord

Many traditional television subscribers have cut the cord in the past decade and they’ve used the internet to help them do it. Cable TV service can rack up a decent-sized bill that includes networks you don’t need and is missing some you enjoy. Web-based streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video provide the flexibility to watch on any Wi-Fi enabled device and they often do so at a fraction of the price of traditional TV service. Cord-cutters looking for a service more comparable to live TV can shop streaming services like Hulu + Live TV and DIRECTV STREAM, which offer live programming and lineups similar to those found in cable packages. 

Looking to finally make the switch? See our ultimate guide to cord cutting to shop more affordable TV options today. For more of the latest on all things broadband, stay connected to our Resource Center.