Internet Addiction is Real: Excessive internet use can lead to addiction, with some individuals experiencing withdrawal symptoms when unable to access the internet. Internet addiction can have serious consequences for mental health, social relationships, and productivity.
The Deep Web is Much Larger Than the Surface Web: The deep web refers to content that is not indexed by search engines and is not easily accessible through standard web browsers. Estimates suggest that the deep web is hundreds of times larger than the surface web, which comprises websites that are indexed by search engines.
Internet traffic is dominated by bots, automated software programs that conduct activities online. According to some estimates, bots account for almost 50% of internet traffic, used for web scraping, online gaming, and DDoS attacks.
Internet Access is Still Limited: Despite the widespread availability of the internet in many parts of the world, a significant portion of the global population still lacks access to the internet. According to the World Bank, as of 2021, around 40% of the world's population remains unconnected to the internet.
The Internet is a major carbon emitter: Energy-intensive internet infrastructure, including data centers and telecommunications networks, contributes to climate change. Data centers consume about 1% of global electricity.
The internet can affect elections due to misinformation, targeted advertising, and political manipulation on social media. Foreign actors and political organizations use social media to convey propaganda and alter public opinion.
Cybercrime Costs Billions Annually: Cybercrime, including hacking, identity theft, and online fraud, costs businesses and individuals billions of dollars each year. The rise of ransomware attacks, in which hackers encrypt data and demand payment for its release, has become a particularly lucrative form of cybercrime.
The internet transmits data around the world using a massive physical infrastructure of cables, data centers, and other devices. Ocean floor submarine cables carry most international internet traffic, linking continents and enabling global communication.