In a digital landscape that seemingly evolves by the minute, it’s easy to assume that global internet connectivity is an ever-expanding frontier. However, a closer examination of recent data suggests a different narrative – one that speaks of a potential plateau in the growth of internet users.
According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the year 2023 marks a moment when 67% of the global population is connected to the internet. While this figure is undoubtedly significant, it only represents a marginal 1% increase from the preceding year’s 66%. This trend deviates from the preceding two years, each of which witnessed a more substantial 3% surge in internet users. The numbers whisper a cautious message: the meteoric ascent of global internet adoption might be slowing.
Delving deeper into this narrative, Surfshark’s analysis of the annual Digital Quality of Life Index offers a stark revelation. Out of 121 countries examined, a disconcerting 52 were designated as harbouring subpar e-infrastructure. This alarming statistic carries profound implications for the trajectory of global internet growth. If these nations fail to address their digital shortcomings, the prospect of a stagnating global internet user base looms large.
Several key insights emerge from this comprehensive survey of global e-infrastructure:
Firstly, the digital divide is strikingly evident. Among the 121 nations studied, 69 bask in the glow of a well-developed electronic infrastructure. Meanwhile, the remaining 52 find themselves grappling with substandard e-infrastructure. The chasm between these two groups appears insurmountable, underscoring the pressing need for concerted efforts to bridge this divide.
A closer examination of the countries with poor e-infrastructure unveils a vexing correlation. These nations, grappling with digital inadequacies, also grapple with dire economic disparities. With an average GDP per capita of a meager $4.3k, these countries find themselves mired in financial constraints, making substantial infrastructure investments a distant dream. In stark contrast, countries boasting good e-infrastructure enjoy an average GDP per capita nearly eight times higher, at $32.6k.
The African continent emerges as a poignant emblem of this digital disparity. An astonishing 96% of the analysed African nations fall into the “poor e-infrastructure” category. Only one exception, Kenya, shines with higher-than-average e-infrastructure, albeit with a modest GDP per capita of $2.1k. This stark contrast highlights that wealth, while a significant factor, is not the sole determinant of e-infrastructure development.
On the other side of the spectrum, a majority of European nations revel in robust electronic infrastructure. Only a mere 13% find themselves with e-infrastructure values below the global average. This select group includes Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Moldova, and North Macedonia, signaling the region’s commitment to digital development.
The road ahead is undeniably challenging, with financial limitations serving as an ominous hurdle for nations struggling to improve their e-infrastructure. Nevertheless, the data underscores the urgency of collective action. The digital divide threatens to leave a substantial portion of the global population behind, hindering the realisation of a fully connected world.
As we navigate the complex terrain of the digital age, one thing remains clear: the global community must prioritise bridging the digital divide, ensuring that the promise of a connected world is a reality for all, regardless of geographic location or economic circumstance.
Methodology and sources:
This analysis draws upon data from Surfshark’s Digital Quality of Life Index 2023, providing a comprehensive assessment of electronic infrastructure across various nations. The study examined countries based on their wealth and geographical region.
For a more detailed exploration of the research materials underpinning this study, you can refer to the complete research material here.