Economist Podcasts Once more, with felines: half the world gets online
Jun 12, 2019
Leo Marani, a reporter specializing in the digital transition of the developing world, discusses the online habits of a connected humanity. He highlights that as half of the world logs on, they're engaging in familiar activities like chatting and sharing cat videos. They dive into America’s changing racial dynamics, noting a decline in overt racism against a backdrop of growing political divisions. Additionally, Marani explores the significance of screams in media, revealing their deep emotional resonance across culture.
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Global Internet Adoption
- Half the world is now online, with billions more catching up quickly, especially in India.
- Developing nations' internet adoption differs from earlier patterns due to language and literacy variations.
Tech Overcoming Illiteracy
- Leo Marani shares a story of a driver in India who uses a voice-to-text app.
- The driver relies on the app because he cannot read or write.
India's Internet Boom
- India's internet boom is largely due to Reliance Jio's 2016 launch of affordable 4G.
- This move disrupted the market, forcing competitors to lower prices and driving mass adoption.