Have you ever wondered what the internet really is—or how much we actually depend on it? These days, the internet is no longer considered a secondary need. It has transformed into a fundamental part of our daily lives. From work and education to entertainment, almost every aspect of modern life relies on a stable internet connection. So just how essential is the internet today? Let’s dive in!

1. The Backbone of Everyday Activities

Imagine going just one day without the internet—communication would be disrupted, work could be interrupted, and even public services might come to a halt. In today’s world, the internet acts as the backbone for:

• Digital communication (WhatsApp, Zoom, email)
  
  

• Financial transactions (mobile banking, e-wallets)
  
  

• Information access (online news, YouTube, Google)
  
  

• Public services (e-government, health apps)
  
  

• Entertainment (Netflix, Spotify, online gaming)
  
  

Even simple tasks such as ordering food or hailing a ride now depend on internet connectivity.

2. Education and the Internet: An Inseparable Pair

The COVID-19 pandemic marked a turning point that highlighted the importance of the internet in education. Teaching and learning rapidly shifted online, making internet access a primary need for students and educators alike. Today, hybrid learning methods remain common across schools and universities. Numerous learning platforms also provide more flexible and affordable access to education—as long as a reliable internet connection is available.

3. The Boom of Digital Business and E-Commerce

Business trends have increasingly moved toward the digital space. From small enterprises to large corporations, everyone is striving to build a strong online presence. Marketplaces are recording rising transactions each year as consumers prefer online shopping over visiting physical stores.

Without internet access, key activities such as digital marketing (via Instagram, TikTok, Google Ads), online sales, chatbot-based customer service, and system-driven logistics management would not run effectively. This demonstrates that the internet is not just a tool, but the very foundation of business in the digital age.

4. Lifestyle Transformation

The internet has completely transformed modern lifestyles. Technology-based living—or “smart living”—is becoming increasingly popular. Examples include:

• Smart homes powered by IoT (smart locks, CCTV, smart lights, door sensors)
  
  

• Remote working (working from home)
  
  

• Digital nomad lifestyles (working while traveling)
  
  

• Content creators as a new profession
  
  

Connectivity is no longer just for browsing or social media—it has become a tool for productivity and identity in today’s modern world.

5. Internet Growth in Indonesia

According to the We Are Social 2024 report, Indonesia now has more than 220 million internet users, representing approximately 80% of the total population. This confirms that internet access is no longer limited to select groups—it has reached nearly all levels of society.

Thanks to infrastructure projects like Palapa Ring and the launch of internet satellites, connectivity is also expanding into rural areas across the country.

6. What Happens Without the Internet?

A lack of internet access can have serious consequences, such as:

• Disruption of communication and access to information
  
  

• Interference with business operations and public services
  
  

• Broken access to education and entertainment
  
  

• Loss of digital economic opportunities
  
  

For these reasons, affordable and reliable internet access has become a basic digital right in today’s world. Behind the connectivity we enjoy are companies known as Internet Service Providers (ISP) who deliver internet services to end users. To learn more about ISPs and other digital service products, visit the official Telkom DWS website at mycarrier.telkom.co.id.