By examining the key technology trends of 2019 as per Mary Meeker’s annual report, this article turns a spotlight on the global landscape of internet usage, digital payments, and regulatory measures. It underlines the phenomena that have significantly influenced these trends, such as the remarkable surge in India’s internet user base, largely driven by telecom operator Reliance Jio. This factual narration also charts the rise in digital payments worldwide, the political and social filters on online content, as well as the ongoing efforts to combat offensive and violent content across various platforms.
Global Internet User Base: China Leads, India Follows
Mary Meeker, owner of a global technology investment firm based in the U.S., released her annual report “Internet Trends 2019” and revealed that India ranks second, only behind China, in terms of active internet user bases. The top three countries dominating the internet world are China with 21%, India holding 12%, and the USA trailing with 8%.
Significantly, India’s accelerated internet growth has been primarily fueled by telecom operator Reliance Jio. As highlighted by Meeker, Jio’s subscriber base remarkably doubled within a year, touching the 307 million mark.
Regulating the Internet: A Moderate Approach
When it comes to internet regulations, India adopts a midway approach with moderate control. Overall, over half of the world’s population has internet access, with Asia-Pacific accommodating an impressive 53% of the world’s internet users. Interestingly, more than half of the internet population resides in a country where certain political, social, or religious content is either censored or blocked outright.
The Rise of Digital Payments
As the world steadily migrates towards a cashless society, digital payments account for a dominant 59% of everyday transactions worldwide. This reveals the increasing acceptance and adoption of digital currency, highlighting its convenience and efficiency.
Social Media’s Grip on News
In the realm of information dissemination, social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter continue to be the primary sources of news. This reflects the evolving media consumption habits of the global populace.
| Fact | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| World population with internet access | 50 |
| Internet users in Asia-Pacific region | 53 |
| Everyday transactions through digital payments worldwide | 59 |
| Internet users living in countries where certain content is censored/blocked | 55 |
| Media consumption on mobile devices | 33 |
| Time spent on TV | 34 |
Navigating Challenges: Offensive Content and Political Polarization
A significant challenge emerging from this digital age is the continuous task of removing offensive and violent content from online platforms. Further pointing towards a complex landscape, social media platforms are also contributing to increased political polarization and divisiveness.
