As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, access to the internet has become a vital part of our daily lives. In 2014, the percentage of the global population with internet access was a significant milestone in the digital revolution.
According to data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in 2014, approximately 40% of the world population had access to the internet. This translates to around 2.9 billion people out of a total global population of 7.2 billion.
While this figure may seem impressive, it also highlights the digital divide that exists between different regions and countries. In developed nations, internet penetration rates were much higher, with North America and Europe leading the way. In contrast, many developing countries had limited access to the internet, primarily due to infrastructure challenges and economic constraints.
Furthermore, the distribution of internet access was not evenly spread among different demographic groups. Factors such as age, education, and income played a significant role in determining who had internet access. Younger individuals, those with higher levels of education, and those with higher incomes were more likely to have internet access compared to older individuals, those with lower levels of education, and those with lower incomes.
Since 2014, the global percentage of people with internet access has continued to rise steadily. The advent of affordable smartphones and the expansion of mobile networks have played a crucial role in bridging the digital divide and increasing internet penetration rates in developing countries.
Today, in 2021, it is estimated that around 59% of the global population has access to the internet. This represents a significant increase from 2014 and demonstrates the progress made in expanding internet connectivity worldwide.
In conclusion, in 2014, approximately 40% of the world population had access to the internet. While this figure has increased in recent years, there is still work to be done to ensure that everyone has equal access to the opportunities and benefits that the internet provides.