How is access to entertainment changing in the African American community?

Over the past two decades, the structure of leisure time in urban agglomerations has undergone significant changes, primarily due to the advent of digital technologies. This is particularly evident in areas that have long lacked access to traditional forms of entertainment, often due to socio-economic factors. African American communities have long lacked equal access to educational and cultural resources, as well as entertainment. Now, they are actively using the digital environment not only for self-fulfillment, but also for entertainment. Smartphones with mobile internet connectivity are the preferred tools for this. They are helpful in everyday life and great for leisure activities.

Studies show that almost 100% of African Americans between the ages of 18 and 49 use smartphones all the time. Smartphones with mobile internet are often the primary means of connecting to the digital world. Therefore, everything, from podcasts to games, must be adapted for a small screen and load quickly. When it comes to gaming sessions, they should be short.

The rise in popularity of mobile games is particularly noteworthy, as they appeal to even those who do not consider themselves gamers in the traditional sense. A smartphone is all you need for video games, which have become a form of personalized entertainment. You can start playing even if you only have five minutes. No gaming experience, training, or financial investment is required.

African American audiences prefer visually appealing games that are easy to control and offer quick rewards. 56% of African American users prefer casual genres, such as puzzle games and short arcade games. This choice is not accidental, as African Americans are usually busy—they have multiple jobs, families to take care of, and are constantly on the go. Short gaming sessions provide the necessary rest and recharge.

At the same time, many modern games draw inspiration from the cultures of years past. For example, people who watched The Price Is Right will surely recognize the aesthetics of “falling ball games.” In digital format, it has been given a second life. Such games are appealing because they are intuitive and provide emotional rewards without requiring long-term commitment. These games fit perfectly into the cultural tradition of the community.

One of the most popular casual games today is Plinko. It has almost everything: excellent adaptation for mobile screens, simple rules, fast rounds, and instant rewards. You can even find special websites with reviews and selections of sites featuring this game. For example, on this site, you can see the most up-to-date selection.

Board games, cards, and dominoes were once traditional street entertainment, but today, social activities have moved online. However, this does not mean that games have become a means of purely individual entertainment. People who play games actively watch streams, participate in tournaments, and engage in other gaming activities.

Games with elements of visual excitement and chance, when viewed from a psychological perspective, help a person recharge quickly, and they work particularly well. When you need to reduce anxiety or just switch gears, they give you that much-needed dopamine rush. If a person lives under constant stress, such a pause allows them to take control of the situation. And this feeling is much more important than one might think.

Such formats are used not only in entertainment but also in areas such as education and marketing. It is an excellent alternative to the endless scrolling through social media as a form of passive entertainment. Such games are much more helpful when used for short periods.

The modern digital landscape makes such entertainment a natural part of everyday life. It is not just a way to kill time, but part of a new leisure culture. They do not simply distract, but engage the player in the process, leaving them with a sense of accomplishment. It seems primitive when a rolling ball bounces off obstacles, but the power of such a game lies in its simplicity. The unpredictable outcome, combined with accessibility, is the perfect combination.