A new study shows the downside of the computer age: young people would rather sightsee from the comfort of their own homes than actually visiting other places.
Young people are more likely to play computer games and indulge in social networking than enjoy leisure activities outside, says “The Future of Free Time” report commissioned by lastminute.com.
"Perhaps worryingly, a new generation will reject travel altogether in favor of gaming, social networking and ‘always on’ media,” the report said. It added:
"As in-home leisure is becoming more engaging, a group of young people will emerge who do not go out any more.”
"So what they’ve seen in the last ten years is that they’re (young people) spending more time now on in-home entertainment and technology rather than traveling the world,” said futurologist Dr. Ian Yeoman.
Patrick Hoffstetter, vice president at lastminute.com, said:
"We all have a natural inclination to travel and explore, but the travel industry must remain innovative and embrace technology to remain exciting for a younger generation."
In the future, in-home games will expand and compete more intensely with out-of-home free time.
The report concluded young people found out-of-home activity too “action poor.”
By David Wilkening
