The translation of the text is: «Why has staying in become more popular than going out?»
13 march 2026 в 18:13
Going out, having fun, and socializing, or staying home and spending time online? Statistics show that the latter option has become the most popular, and there are good reasons for that. What started during the COVID-19 lockdowns as a means of connection has become a phenomenon in its own right.
For many people in 2026, watching videos, celebrity livestreams on social media, multiplayer gaming, and online gambling are still preferred over going out for dinner and drinks.
Why has staying home become more popular than going out? It all started with the pandemic…
During the COVID-19 pandemic, most countries implemented lockdowns that lasted for months. People became effectively imprisoned in their homes and needed alternative sources of entertainment and communication.
Lockdowns were an emotionally challenging time for many. Some were locked down with partners (which created a host of other issues), but many were alone. The desire for connection, even if not physical, was fulfilled by online communities. NPR reported that global internet traffic increased by 60% in the first weeks of the lockdowns.
Video calls on platforms like Facebook, Zoom, WhatsApp, and Microsoft Teams became popular, allowing people to stay connected virtually.
Forums and online discussions also peaked during this time, with a noticeable increase in traffic on Discord, Twitch, and Reddit.
Working from home (WFH) initially seemed new to many, as they were used to daily commutes and having a designated workspace. However, convenience soon became appealing, and many began to view WFH as a positive development.
Classes also moved online, allowing teachers to conduct lessons and students to continue their education.
Most nightlife venues closed, and without any entertainment options, people at home found ways to pass the time. Watching movies and series, as well as online gaming, became the most popular forms of leisure.
The return to a «new normal» was gradual and uneven, and for some people, it never fully happened. The newfound convenience of working and studying from home, along with the absence of commuting time, contributed to the rise of hybrid work and study formats.
Although online meetings initially felt foreign, they soon became familiar and, for many, preferable. The number of daily Zoom meetings increased from 10 million to 300 million and remains high to this day.
Watching movies and online gaming did not experience the decline that most experts expected. In fact, after the pandemic, a «streaming wars» began, with new players starting to compete with Netflix.
When the pandemic eased and lockdowns ended, people were able to return to their lives. However, bars, clubs, cinemas, and restaurants did not return to their previous levels of attendance. What happened? People realized that staying home has its advantages.
During the lockdowns, something unexpected occurred: many people found that they were saving money. It turned out that entertainment can be expensive.
For example, spending an evening in any major city, after paying for transportation, food, drinks, and entry fees, you would spend between $ 100 to $ 150, which is money you won’t get back. Staying home, ordering takeout, buying a bottle of wine from a local store, and watching movies would cost you about $ 40. You could do this 3−4 times a week to spend the same amount as one night out.
Since the pandemic ended, the cost of living has increased, meaning that nights out are even more expensive than before COVID. Staying home and saving money is one of many examples of the «new normal».
Celebrities took advantage of the lockdown situation to provide entertainment for their fans. One notable event was Travis Scott’s virtual concert in Fortnite (April 2020), which attracted around 12.3 million viewers. In March 2020, DJ D-Nice held a series of sessions called Club Quarantine
For many people in 2026, watching videos, celebrity livestreams on social media, multiplayer gaming, and online gambling are still preferred over going out for dinner and drinks.
Why has staying home become more popular than going out? It all started with the pandemic…
During the COVID-19 pandemic, most countries implemented lockdowns that lasted for months. People became effectively imprisoned in their homes and needed alternative sources of entertainment and communication.
Lockdowns were an emotionally challenging time for many. Some were locked down with partners (which created a host of other issues), but many were alone. The desire for connection, even if not physical, was fulfilled by online communities. NPR reported that global internet traffic increased by 60% in the first weeks of the lockdowns.
Video calls on platforms like Facebook, Zoom, WhatsApp, and Microsoft Teams became popular, allowing people to stay connected virtually.
Forums and online discussions also peaked during this time, with a noticeable increase in traffic on Discord, Twitch, and Reddit.
Working from home (WFH) initially seemed new to many, as they were used to daily commutes and having a designated workspace. However, convenience soon became appealing, and many began to view WFH as a positive development.
Classes also moved online, allowing teachers to conduct lessons and students to continue their education.
Most nightlife venues closed, and without any entertainment options, people at home found ways to pass the time. Watching movies and series, as well as online gaming, became the most popular forms of leisure.
The return to a «new normal» was gradual and uneven, and for some people, it never fully happened. The newfound convenience of working and studying from home, along with the absence of commuting time, contributed to the rise of hybrid work and study formats.
Although online meetings initially felt foreign, they soon became familiar and, for many, preferable. The number of daily Zoom meetings increased from 10 million to 300 million and remains high to this day.
Watching movies and online gaming did not experience the decline that most experts expected. In fact, after the pandemic, a «streaming wars» began, with new players starting to compete with Netflix.
When the pandemic eased and lockdowns ended, people were able to return to their lives. However, bars, clubs, cinemas, and restaurants did not return to their previous levels of attendance. What happened? People realized that staying home has its advantages.
During the lockdowns, something unexpected occurred: many people found that they were saving money. It turned out that entertainment can be expensive.
For example, spending an evening in any major city, after paying for transportation, food, drinks, and entry fees, you would spend between $ 100 to $ 150, which is money you won’t get back. Staying home, ordering takeout, buying a bottle of wine from a local store, and watching movies would cost you about $ 40. You could do this 3−4 times a week to spend the same amount as one night out.
Since the pandemic ended, the cost of living has increased, meaning that nights out are even more expensive than before COVID. Staying home and saving money is one of many examples of the «new normal».
Celebrities took advantage of the lockdown situation to provide entertainment for their fans. One notable event was Travis Scott’s virtual concert in Fortnite (April 2020), which attracted around 12.3 million viewers. In March 2020, DJ D-Nice held a series of sessions called Club Quarantine
© Kolganov Andrey
