The Eye of the Storm: A Reflection on Connectivity in a Disconnected World
When the lights went out, I realized how much we take the internet for granted.
Last week when I was home in Boston area, I sat in my living room, the wind howling outside and a mix of heavy snow and rain pouring down in torrents, I experienced something many of us dread in the modern world: a complete loss of power, internet, and cell service. This experience led me to reflect not only on how much I take ubiquitous internet access for granted, but also on the challenges faced by 45% of people worldwide who remain unconnected.
As I sat there in my digital isolation, I couldn't help but realize how deeply ingrained the internet has become in our daily lives.
It was during these moments of disconnection that I began to ponder the reality faced by the unconnected, those who live without internet access. For them, this sense of isolation isn't merely an inconvenience brought on by a winter storm; it's a daily struggle.
The digital divide is a real and growing problem, as those with access to the internet continue to reap the benefits of a connected world.
Education
Healthcare
Employment opportunities,
Social connections
The above are all made more accessible through the internet, leaving those without it at a distinct disadvantage. It's easy for those of us with constant connectivity to overlook these disparities, but my brief inconvenience with disconnection served as a stark reminder of the struggles faced by billions.
This experience has inspired me to become more conscious of the digital privileges I enjoy and to advocate for expanding internet access to those who need it most. The challenges faced by the unconnected are not insurmountable; with concerted effort and investment in infrastructure, innovative solutions, and education, we can work towards bridging the gap and ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.
“ The unconnected are not just those people located in rural areas or less-developed countries, but also those living in urban areas where they simply cannot afford access to the digital world. even though broadband may pass right by them.”
By supporting these efforts, we can help to ensure that the benefits of the internet are shared equitably, and that everyone, regardless of circumstances, has the opportunity to harness the power of connectivity. This is a big reason why I have become involved with unconnected.org, whose mission is to connect 1B people to the internet.
Written by: Kurt Dobbins - CEO Nrby
Official Supporter of unconnected.org
In conclusion, my brief encounter with digital isolation has taught me valuable lessons and ignited a passion for digital inclusion. I hope that by sharing my brief experience, I can inspire others to reflect on their own relationship with the internet and take action to help bridge the digital divide. Together, we can work towards a world where everyone can experience the benefits of connectivity and unlock their full potential.
Please share your own humbling experiences or inspirations to help connect the world!
ABOUT NRBY, INC.
Nrby, Inc. has created a dynamic location intelligence platform that makes untapped location data instantly actionable. By streamlining the process of capturing, visualizing, and sharing location-specific information, Nrby empowers organizations to see more, expand efficiency, and quickly make location-intelligent decisions — fundamentally reinventing how mobile work gets done.