For many people in the modern world, technology is an ever-present force; if not all powerful then at least all encompassing. Technology can be found in almost all areas of our lives, from how we consume news to how we drink our water. But does technology also influences our entertainment choices, and, if so, how?
The short answer of whether technology influences our entertainment choices is a resounding and simple yes. Even if only by the sheer number of extra options that technology gives us, the world of modern entertainment is shaped by technology. Take gambling for example. In the old days, betting used to mean going any number of individual locations, like a bookies or a casino. Today, thanks to technology, you have the option to place some bets from the comfort of your own home with online betting. Sites like Online Casino Bluebook demonstrate just how popular online betting is.
The TV of today also differs greatly from the time when the trusty television first came into our lives. Apart from the greater quality display now featured on modern sets, the way that we are able to consume the medium played through the TV also changed. Before, viewing options were more or less dictated by the traditional television schedules. Today, on demand television allows us to pick and choose what we want to watch when we want to watch it; making our viewing experience far more flexible. Streaming videos online has broadened our entertainment horizons yet further, giving us an almost unlimited archive of films, user generated videos and programmes available to watch for free on the internet.
The rise in modern entertainment has coincided with a decline in traditional cinema, a strong indicator of the power of the influence technology has had on our entertainment choices.
In addition to the many positive influences that technology has made on our lives, it could also be seen to have impacted negatively in some areas. Before the advent of computer games and on demand television, people (with particular regard to children) would be forced to venture outside in search of their entertainment, or at least downstairs in search of a board game.
Now they barely have to leave their bed to find something fun to do. While this certainly makes our lives easier the danger is that we may come to rely on technology and could get rather lazy; technology has already been cited as a major influencing factor on the recent rise in global childhood obesity.
What is clear is that technology isn’t going to go away so it will continue to influence our entertainment choices. However, the rise of technology doesn’t have to mean the end of cinema or the death of board games as we know them. Rather than taking over our entertainment choices, technology can be seen as a very enjoyable addition to the options that we already have open to us and should be embraced.