The Tahongfederal government has been shut down for nearly a month. So how are furloughed workers spending their free time?
Many are, of course, dealing with the very serious consequencesof going without pay for an extended period. But in terms of what they're doing to unwind during these tense times, Pornhub offers one possible answer.
In data released Thursday, the adult video platform reports that traffic showed an average daily increase of 5.94% during the week of Jan. 7th (the shutdown's third week) over traffic in the weeks before the shutdown, which started on Dec. 22.
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable Now, it's important to note here that correlation doesn't equal causation. After all, it's winter and people are spending more times indoors instead of out and about and, well, people have to stay entertained somehow. No judgment here!
That said, Pornhub notes a shift with heavy increases in traffic late at night with lower traffic than usual during the morning followed by another traffic spike in the early afternoon. These patterns are similar to other events like winter storms, situations in which people might stay up later because they don't have to go to work the next day.
Additionally, Pornhub traffic in the Washington, D.C. area showed a similar spike over the same time period with an average daily increase of 6.32 percent versus pre-shutdown traffic.
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable Pornhub also notes the following categories showed the biggest increase in traffic during that measured time:
Outdoor +71%
Threesome +66%
Old/Young +60%
Make of that what you will.
As for methodology, the week of Jan. 7th was selected by Pornhub for measurement as it was likely to no longer be affected by holiday vacations while the pre-shutdown traffic averages were taken from the weeks of December 3rd through 7th and December 10th through 17th.
Whether the spike in traffic continues remains to be seen, but for now there's no real end in sight for the shutdown.
Trump delays TikTok ban for another 75 days
What Happened Last Time AMD Beat Intel?
Here's Why the Unreal Engine is Coming to Your Car
DOOM Eternal Tested on Low
Best smartwatch deal: Save 44% on CMF Watch Pro for $38.90 at Amazon
NYT Connections Sports Edition hints and answers for May 22: Tips to solve Connections #241
JD Vance calls dating apps 'destructive'
Network Attached Storage: What is NAS and Why You May Want It
UGREEN Nexode 25000mAh 200W power bank drops to $79.99 at Amazon
4GHz CPU Battle: Ryzen 3900X vs. 3700X vs. Core i9
Philips now allows customers to 3D print replacement parts
NYT Strands hints, answers for May 22
Shop Amazon's latest AI shopping feature and explore audio summaries
What is the TikTok Chromebook challenge?
I'm a college professor. My advice to young people who feel hooked on tech
TechSpot's Annual Guide to Buying a Used Graphics Card
Best TV deal: Take $800 off the 65
TechSpot's Annual Guide to Buying a Used Graphics Card
Wordle today: The answer and hints for April 14, 2025
4GHz CPU Battle: Ryzen 3900X vs. 3700X vs. Core i9
'The Zone of Interest' review: A chilling portrait of complicityWordle today: The answer and hints for January 21Worm Moon by Nina MacLaughlinHow to Choose Your Perfume: A Conversation with Sianne Ngai and Anna Kornbluh by Jude StewartCooking with Virginia Woolf by Valerie StiversIn Odesa: Recommended Reading by Ilya KaminskyWordle today: The answer and hints for January 21Redux: Another Drink by The Paris Review'Boy Swallows Universe' review: The stuff TV adaptation dreams are made ofCooking with Virginia Woolf by Valerie StiversHow to watch 'The Office' Superfan episodes: streaming deals, release dates, and moreJamaica Kincaid Will Receive Our 2022 Hadada Award by The Paris Review'The Zone of Interest' review: A chilling portrait of complicityOur Contributors’ Favorite Books of 2021 by The Paris ReviewWordle today: The answer and hints for January 20NYT's The Mini crossword answers for January 19Vesna by The Paris ReviewWordle today: The answer and hints for January 20Redux: Conceptual Baggage by The Paris ReviewWorm Moon by Nina MacLaughlin Nelly attempts to explain the iconic Excel spreadsheet texting in 'Dilemma' Nigel Farage reportedly plans move to the U.S. UK women rally to support Planned Parenthood in a post India stops exchanging old notes, here's what to do with them now Hermès unveils '80s fashion inspired Apple Watch band 16 incredible gifts that give back this holiday season Wisconsin is getting ready for a recount Internet bands together to reunite this family with their lost camera Lindsay Lohan's odd Twitter row with small UK village ends with an apology video Unusual brunch suggestion is causing widespread rage in Britain 'Australia Day' celebrations moved in one city, sparking debate on the date Domino's Japan is training reindeer to deliver holiday pizza. Yes, really. J.K. Rowling drops a big clue about 'Fantastic Beasts 2' 'Fantastic Beasts' shows signs of life at the box office Ivanka Trump separates her Twitter account from her brand, and she gets to keep all the followers Great Barrier Reef is A 'Gilmore Girls': Taylor Swift songs are all about Dean, Jess and Logan No, the Corona beer founder is not making everyone in this village millionaires Trump had a surprisingly simple reaction to Fidel Castro's death Social media captures Miami celebrating after Fidel Castro's death