Internet in our Lives

I remember how difficult life was back then when access to the internet was zero, when sending a message to someone far required one to visit the post office or give the letter to someone traveling to that place. Means of acquiring knowledge then were difficult; the only surest bet was relying on learned people or visiting the library which sometimes is was difficult to find one.

But due to the free access to the internet these days, life is not just easier; it is fun and even a must-have for everyone. Due to free access, answering the question if it should be considered a fundamental human right and if denied to anyone becomes a violation. The truth is that the impact will be felt greatly by everyone if access to the internet is limited because the internet plays a great role in our everyday lives.

It has become part and parcel of us to wake up in the morning, and the first thing we do before anything else is pick up our phone and turn on the data. From WhatsApp, TikTok, Facebook, to Twitter trends and so many others. Everything is now internet-based; course registration, school fee payment, and job applications have all been moved online.

Gone are those days when you had to carry huge money in a big bag while traveling because there was no internet banking. Now, a business owner can stay anywhere to transact with business partners without even having to see them face to face.

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Comparing NYSC registration now and years back when there was no internet access. Then, if you wanted to register, it required one to travel to Abuja to submit documents. This is the same thing that is done online due to the internet. So if access to the internet is limited due to government rules, it will affect most citizens.

Now, let's imagine internet access becomes a human right; that would be a blessing because there would be free access to the internet in all nooks and crannies, and this would be a big plus to students because it would make education easy and access to information at everyone's fingertips.

For instance, in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic was alarming, the lockdown led to the shutdown of schools. This led to a pause in the academic calendar, and this is where the benefit of having internet access as a human right would have played a great role.

The negative effect this would have on the masses is that the government would be able to do what they like to the masses. I personally consider the negative effect of the internet can never be overemphasized; teenagers engage themselves in pornography instead of educationally related stuff, causing trauma to their thinking faculties and making them go extra miles, selling toxic drugs in a wide range because everyone would be super connected. Would you remember when Twitter was banned in Nigeria because the government saw it as one platform that Nigerians were using the most for the EndSARS protest? So imagine when access to the internet is in the hands of the government.

Nevertheless, the internet is contributing greatly to our nation's standard, Nigeria. I so presumably support the internet being included in human rights as the right to a fair hearing is, so that internet access be free and available for all citizens.

Posted Using INLEO