8 Things That Are Better Online Than In Person

The world is increasingly moving online, with the internet infiltrating almost all daily activities. Although many of the older generations still reminisce about the days before the internet, it can’t be denied that the internet has made life much more convenient. From shopping to how we communicate with people, some things are just better when done online. 

1. Shopping

Online shopping is a favourite pastime for many. It has completely changed how we purchase goods and services. When shopping in person, you’re restricted to the stores within walking or driving distance. But thanks to online shopping, people can now reach retailers from all over the world. 

It also makes it much more convenient for those on the go. Whether you need to restock your fridge or purchase a new laptop, it can all be done online. You simply place your order and can continue with your day, without having to spend hours trudging around Orchard Road to get everything you need. 

Online stores tend to have a larger selection of goods than local shops, and they offer more privacy for shoppers who want to browse a variety of personal items. Often, vouchers and discount codes can be applied to online retailers when checking out, something that can’t be done in person, making it a convenient and cost-saving activity.

2. Gambling

Gambling is legal in Singapore in the form of integrated resorts. The country is home to some of the best casino resorts in the world, like the renowned Marina Bay Sands and Sentosa. However, these establishments are often filled with tourists, loud noises, and intimidating high rollers. 

Gambling online is much more convenient and less anxiety-inducing. There are plenty of online casinos for players in Singapore, where they can browse different games, enjoy lucrative bonuses and promos, and test out strategies. This can all be done without that feeling of someone lurking over your shoulder to take your seat at the slot machine as soon as you get up. 

3. Dating

Dating in person can be really hard. It is tough to meet new people organically, as most of us are so consumed with our own lives that we rarely look up to make eye contact with anyone else. 

Online dating has been simplified through apps like Tinder, Bumble, Paktor, and Coffee Meets Bagel. These apps allow users to swipe through potential matches in their area, and chat in a safe and controlled environment before deciding to meet up (or not). You no longer have to awkwardly approach someone in a public space and try to chat them up. Online dating allows you to present your best self, share your interests upfront, and find exactly who you’re looking for. 

4. Managing Finances

No one likes going to the bank. It typically involves long wait times, conversations filled with jargon, and a sense of despair. In-person financial management meant you had to keep paper copies of all your transactions, hope you remembered to file them all, and walk into the bank or your accountant’s office. 

Thanks to the internet, you can manage your finances conveniently online. From securing loans to paying our taxes, online banking has transformed how we work with our money. There are several software applications that can aid even the most financially illiterate people. 

Dobin is an AI-powered app that can help with budgeting, QuickBooks Online can help with invoicing, while Spendee allows you to track all your income and expenses. There is an online platform or app for all financial needs, and if these are too confusing, you can always find an accountant online. 

5. Studying

Although Singapore has six public universities, and nothing beats the college experience, studying in person restricts you to the degrees and courses on offer at the local establishment. The internet has opened up an entire world of possibilities when it comes to education. You can live in Singapore but attend an online university based in the US, or do yoga teacher training in your lounge with an expert who lives in India.

And it goes beyond qualifications. The internet has allowed us to conduct in-depth research with a few mouse clicks. Sites like JSTOR and SpringerLINK allow users to access peer-reviewed publications, Wikipedia has pages on just about anything imaginable, and there are plenty of ebooks and blogs available for free. 

6. Communicating With Others

Letters, telegrams, and passing notes in class are a thing of the past. Although there is certainly still a place for the written word in today’s world, it is much more convenient to communicate online. 

Families who are spread out across the world can keep in contact through email and social media, friends can connect over Discord, and everyone can use messaging apps like WhatsApp and WeChat for daily communication.  

Social media has also made it possible to connect with strangers, sharing ideas with like-minded individuals whom you’ve never met.

7. Gaming

Games have always been more fun with friends. But it often meant having to wait until weekends when no one had school or work, arranging a place to meet up, and getting together for a couple of hours to play board games or on someone’s console. 

The internet has had a massive impact on video gaming. Friends can connect online and play games from their own homes, using headsets and in-game chat to communicate with each other. Strangers can also game together, forming parties in online games and exploring the game’s world together. 

8. Dining Out (By Dining In)

Not having to cook food at home has always been a treat, but in-person, that means taking off your pyjamas, getting in your car, and heading to the nearest store to either dine in or pick up a takeaway. 

The internet and smartphones have resulted in the development of apps like Deliveroo and Grab. These apps connect users to local restaurants, where they can order food from the menu and have it delivered right to their doors.

Wrapping Up

The positive impact of in-person interactions on mental health and emotional well-being has been thoroughly documented as the world moves more digital, however, some things are simply better online. The best part of these online activities is that they can still be enjoyed with others. A group of friends can get together and order takeout, you can make TikTok videos with your siblings and post them to your online friends, or you can track your expenses online and share the information with your banker in person.