How Australians Are Spending Evenings in the Digital World
The world has since gone digital, and Australians have spent no time in adopting this trend, especially in the evenings when the hustle and bustle of Adelaide subsides. Whether among the Gen Zs, Millennials, and even a growing number of Baby Boomers, it’s goodbye to the real world and hello to the digital world once the sun goes down.
From a blend of world-class entertainment and nonstop connectivity to an incredible surge in creativity and productivity, nighttime is now the new daytime in Australia, and that’s when everything starts to go down. In this post, we will look at how Aussies are spending evenings in the digital world.
What Aussies Do After Dark in the Digital World
As the physical world slows down and as soon as the 9-to-5s call it a day, screen lights come up across Australia’s big and small cities, and homes turn into a hub for digital entertainment and comfy work stations. Here are the top things Aussies do after dark in the digital world.
Streaming Over Supper
With the days of scheduled TV almost already phased out, Australians are moving on to a more trendy entertainment ritual, and that’s where streaming comes in. From bingeing favourite Netflix shows to catching up with live sports action, statistics show that over 70% of Australians stream content at least once a day, with peak activity taking place between 7 PM and 10 PM.
The reason for the incredible rise in this trend boils down to the need to relax and unwind after a hectic day, and streaming is arguably the most soothing on-demand entertainment, especially during and after dinnertime.
Social Media Scroll Sessions
This is particularly a go-to activity worldwide, but Aussies tend to take it to exciting levels. Of course, social media scrolling doubles down as an all-day activity, with users stealing moments to update snap streaks, monitor reactions on IG stories, and reply messages on WhatsApp. However, it almost tends to be official social media time after 8 PM.
Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and X all hit max traffic around this time, with Aussies scrambling across the web to keep up with trends, share happy moments, and connect with loved ones. It’s a no-brainer because this is when most people get uninterrupted time to relax and catch up.
Online Shopping
Another exciting digital activity for Australians is shopping, and unsurprisingly, night-time is prime time for Aussie shoppers. Once the physical store closes, and everyone gets comfy on their favourite couch, online stores begin to experience a spike in organic traffic as customers start to fill up their online shopping carts.
About 40% of Australians turn to online shopping at night, with research attributing this online behaviour to social media and influencer marketing content consumed in the dark hours. According to Australia Post General Manager for Parcel & Express Services Ben Fanzi, “What we are seeing is that the online sales events are dictating shopper spending”.
Second Jobs Online
When the sun goes down, it’s not just entertainment that keeps Australians busy in the digital world. They also tend to turn up the digital hustle as they go about making an extra buck or two with their side gigs. Indeed, the cost of living and inflation in bigger cities have triggered a trend of Aussies picking up second jobs, and the numerous opportunities that the internet provides make adding an extra source of income that much easier.
But of course, not everyone takes side gigs to supplement a lower income. Others do so as a way to pursue interests, learn new skills, and maybe as a creative way to pass the time. That said, here are some of the top online businesses making waves in Australia.
- Freelance writing, editing, and content creation
- Virtual assistant roles
- Social media management
- Online tutoring
- Affiliate marketing
- Branding and graphic design
Learning & Upskilling
While evenings offer free and mostly uninterrupted digital entertainment time, they also offer a certain degree of calm that allows for late-night meditation and learning. For some Aussies, quiet time is growth time, and as soon as the day ends, learning begins in earnest.
From those preparing for exams or looking to pick up new interests, to the job hunters aiming to upskill for a career change or simply to stay competitive in their chosen fields. Whatever the case, Aussies acknowledge that learning never ends — and according to the co-founder of Coursera, Daphne Koller, “online education equips you for careers that don’t even exist yet.”
Some popular platforms for digital learning and upskilling include;
- YouTube for quick tutorials
- Coursera, Skillshare, Udemy, etc, for basic skill upgrades.
- Codecademy, Domestika, for code design-specific training
- TAFE Digital and Australian Open Universities for general learning.
Virtual Catch-Ups
The massive global shift from physical to digital has also taken a toll on regular evening gatherings, and of course, it’s all gone online as well. Firstly, busy schedules make video calls, group chats, and voice notes much more convenient. Next, the connectivity benefit of the digital world allows Aussies to beat the distance barrier and connect with loved ones from far and wide. Moreover, the effects of the COVID lockdowns meant habits like virtual meet-ups remained a big part of social routines post-pandemic, especially in Australia.
Gaming On The Go
The rise of mobile gaming has influenced gaming habits, giving gamers nonstop access to their favourite games on the go. Popular titles include Call of Duty Mobile, Clash Royale, Football Fantasy, PUBG Mobile, Fortnite amongst others.
Online Casinos are also experiencing an unprecedented upsurge among Aussie players, with a variety of options to choose from. Players can also check out Slotsjudge Australian Casinos, for a comprehensive review on the top casino destinations to win big. These casinos offer players the best casino experience, from online poker and live dealer games to a wide collection of exciting slots, right on their mobile devices.
While mobile gaming might fit into short breaks and commutes during the day, the time for uninterrupted gameplay is at night. It’s casual, convenient, and mostly doesn’t require heavy setups. But most importantly, gaming on the go is one of the most relaxing activities for younger people.
Conclusion
It’s no longer news that after dark is when the digital world comes alive. From social media scrolling and virtual catch-ups to online gaming, it truly is activity time when Aussies come online at night. However, while some like to end their evenings with noise and screens, others opt for quiet, calm, and restoration through mindfulness apps and sleep techs.
This is obviously owed to the rise in mental awareness and prioritization of good rest and sound sleep. Nevertheless, there’s a specific pattern in how Aussies choose to spend their evenings, and it usually brings them together in the digital world.
