Peer1 Hosting announced the first results of its Human Potential of the Internet Study, revealing that countries with the lowest levels of Internet access are the ones that rely on it the most for survival, development and education.
Countries with low rates of access to the Internet, including many nations in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, were far more likely to agree that the Internet improves quality of life because of access to information, education, politics.
Even going as far to state that the Internet is necessary to their survival.
Sheila Bouman, Executive Vice president and Managing Director, Peer1 Hosting, said: "The gap in Internet accessibility around the world hasn’t stopped less-connected countries from recognizing its power to improve life and create opportunities."
"In fact, nations with less Internet access realize the potential of the Internet even more so than places with high access. This research offers evidence that filling the gap in global access will help create better lives and reveal the true human potential of the Internet."
"Up until now the nations of North America and Western Europe have taken the lead in creating a more-connected world through the Internet. As other parts of the world become more connected, we’re seeing a new phase of the Internet emerge, and key growth regions in Asia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa are at the forefront of this transformation."
In countries where more than 78% of the population have Internet access, it was found that access to the Internet didn’t tend to be seen as a survival tool. Only 8% in Japan and 14% in the UK regarded the Internet as a survival tool. Comparatively, 45% in India and 36% in Pakistan strongly or somewhat agree that it is a survival tool.
In developing countries where access to the Internet is limited, the study indicates people are more likely to see the Internet as a tool that can drive social change; Kenya (58%), India (57%) and Egypt (55%). In all of these nations there is less than 47% of the population with Internet access.
In contrast, countries where access exceeds 77% of the population, the belief that the Internet can drive social change is very different, with Japan (14%), Australia (16%) and France (18%) showing a vastly different view of the Internet. This could be attributed to potentially taking access to the Internet for granted due to the lack of restrictions on access in their countries.
The Human Potential of the Internet Study surveyed more than 20,600 Internet users across 25 countries and shows a dramatic difference in attitudes and perceptions about the power of the Internet and its impact on people’s lives.
