Internet Necessity

In her essay, The Ethics of Access, Federica Fornaciari brings up a very interesting yet relatively overlooked argument. She claims that the internet has become a pivotal aspect of our lives, and those without it are at a serious disadvantage in almost all aspects of life. She states, "To us, digital technology is an essential tool of social participation that may fundamentally influence human relationships." We utilize the internet for social, academic, political, business, and recreational reasons, yet we don't realize the impact that has on individuals who don't have that kind of access.

Internet Live Stats defines an internet user as an "individual who can access the Internet, via computer or mobile device, within the home where the individual lives." Fornaciari writes that in 2012, there were 2.4 billion internet users. While that number has increased to nearly 2.9 billion by 2014, that still leaves almost 60% of the global population without internet access. In a world where the Internet has become so influential and necessary for connecting and functioning, that seems to be quite problematic.

However, if the majority of the population lives without the same accessibility that we do, is the dire necessity of the internet really that immense? Yes, the internet provides for a vast array of possibilities and opportunities to connect and engage on a whole other level. Yet, I think we sometimes place too much importance on those digital connections. The internet is definitely the future, and because of that we treat those without it as charity cases who are stuck in the past. Fornaciari claims that "developing and supporting educational structures that facilitate digital access is fundamental for the future of the Web, for fully developing its potential to become a powerful and unprecedented democratizing tool and, perhaps, to start making the world a better and more inclusive place." While that inclusivity would prove beneficial, it seems like its aimed more at benefitting the future of the Wb more than the individuals utilizing it.