Internet penetration should “come with an awareness campaign” – Matthew Martin

In an era dominated by technological advancements, the expansion of internet access in high growth or developing countries is heralded as a gateway to a myriad of opportunities. The positive aspects, such as exposure to new ideas and enhanced educational opportunities, are to be celebrated. However, as with any transformative change, there are potential pitfalls that must be addressed to ensure a balanced and safe integration into the digital age, risk specialist and cybersecurity investor Matthew Martin tells The Qonversation.
Embracing the digital realm opens doors to a wealth of knowledge and global connectivity. According to a Martin, “it’s exposure to new ideas. It’s being connected to the world and really understanding what’s going on around you.” The optimistic view extends to the belief that increased connectivity contributes to a more educated population, fostering growth and progress.
The argument is compelling – a connected society boasts increased educational opportunities. The world becomes a classroom, and information is readily accessible at one’s fingertips. This, in turn, empowers individuals and communities to partake in the global conversation, breaking down geographical barriers to knowledge.
Yet, amidst the promise lies a cautionary tale, especially for developing countries and local communities venturing into the uncharted territories of widespread internet access. Martin acknowledges that the dangers of social media are well-known to the West, but the risks and impact are particularly high in developing countries.
To counteract potential pitfalls, Martin suggests the implementation of comprehensive educational campaigns “I think there has to be educational campaigns”. Particularly in regions like Africa, where internet connectivity is “expanding out into the rural areas to get people connected, it should also come with an awareness campaign” about online safety. The analogy drawn by Martin is powerful – just as one wouldn’t hand a car to someone without teaching them to drive, the internet should come with a set of guidelines and training courses.
An alarming concern raised is the exploitation of the internet by extremist groups in developing countries for recruitment purposes. The speaker emphasizes the necessity of equipping individuals with the tools to defend themselves against such threats. It is argued that without proper preparation, the joy of internet access could be overshadowed by the rise of extremist problems, posing a serious risk to the fabric of society.
While the benefits of internet expansion in developing countries are significant, a balanced approach is crucial. It is not enough to merely provide access; efforts must be directed towards empowering individuals with the skills to navigate the digital landscape safely. By implementing educational campaigns and fostering digital literacy, developing nations can harness the full potential of the internet without succumbing to its potential hazards.