The majority of the world doesn't have Internet access, and that is sad

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Every morning, my alarm clock goes off and I immediately grab my smartphone or tablet. Before I use the toilet or shower, I need to check my email, look at Twitter, and get the day's news. In other words, the Internet is extremely important to me. I am not alone either; many people are arguably addicted to the web.

Unfortunately, many of us in the developed world take our Internet access for granted. Hell, Skype was down for a little while today and people were up in arms -- it was a major news story. According to a new report from the United Nations, the majority of the world (a shocking 57 percent), does not have regular Internet access. You know what? That is both sad and tragic.

"Broadband Internet is failing to reach billions of people living in the developing world, including 90 percent of those living in the poorest nations, according to a new United Nations report that offers country-by-country data on the state of access around the globe. The State of Broadband, produced by the UN Broadband Commission and released today, reveals that 57 percent of the world's people remain offline and unable to take advantage of the enormous economic and social benefits the Internet can offer", says The United Nations.

Irina Bokova, the Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization explains, “this calls for stronger efforts by governments and all actors, in ensuring access, use and affordability -- it requires also greater work to build the capacities of all women and men to make the most of all new opportunities. According to the report, the Internet is currently only accessible to 35 percent of people in developing countries. The situation in the 48 UN-designated Least Developed Countries (LDCs) is particularly critical, with over 90 percent of people without any kind of Internet connectivity".

Internet access is particularly strong in South Korea, where over 98 percent of homes have a broadband connection. Where it is lacking, however is in some African countries. The UN claims that only 2 percent of people in Guinea, Somalia, Burundi and Eritrea have access to the Internet. That is shockingly low.

While some people will claim the Internet is less important than things like food, water, and medicine -- and they'd be right -- the Internet is still important for the advancement of these societies. In other words, getting these human beings connected shouldn't be neglected because other things take precedence. Knowledge is power, and the Internet offers a wealth of knowledge -- it is arguably a right, and not a luxury, at this point.

Let us not forget the number of people in wealthy countries without access too, like in the USA and Europe. Remember, there is poverty everywhere, and the goal should be getting everyone connected, regardless of borders, skin color or financial status.

Are you surprised that 57 percent of humans are lacking Internet access? Tell me in the comments.

Photo credit: karelnoppe / Shutterstock

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