Experts have raised alarms about the filling capacity of our nation’s optical fiber network, largely driven by the soaring popularity of streaming platforms like Netflix and YouTube. Internet usage now consumes over one-tenth of Britain’s power on average, and as officials convene to strategize on this pressing issue, it’s likely that raising Internet access fees will be among the first measures to limit user numbers.
This predicament has prompted me to reflect on how rationing the Internet might impact my family and me if it were to occur here in the U.S. Admittedly, it’s a bit embarrassing to acknowledge just how integral the Internet is to our daily lives. Without it, we wouldn’t be the self-sufficient family we aspire to be—yet, the topic of self-sufficiency rarely includes a discussion about online connectivity.
Both my partner and I work remotely, which makes a reliable Internet connection essential. When flying, we’re the ones who willingly pay for in-flight Wi-Fi. On road trips, we rely on our cell phone data plan to keep us productive throughout the day. We also depend on this data for navigation. Gone are the days of using printed maps for touring; I can’t even fathom doing that now. We would never choose a hotel without complimentary Wi-Fi unless we were purposely taking a break from the digital world. Honestly, we might even skip coffee from a café that doesn’t offer free Internet access. This paints just a portion of how the Internet influences our professional lives.
Our personal lives are similarly intertwined with online connectivity. Thanks to platforms like Facebook and email, we’ve stayed connected with family despite moving frequently. We no longer need to call relatives every time we face a parenting conundrum because the Internet provides answers. I even managed to self-diagnose a hormone-related issue that turned out to be a significant ovarian cystic tumor, and I weighed my options about surgery while pregnant—all thanks to online resources. It’s hard to imagine how rationing even a single hour of daily access wouldn’t disrupt our lives.
Perhaps, this should serve as a wake-up call to become more intentional with our online time and to venture outside more often. Speaking of which, I might just need to Google the best local trails to explore.
This article was originally published on May 4, 2015.
If you’re interested in the topic of home insemination, we have more insights available, including resources from Make a Mom, which provide an excellent overview of at-home insemination kits. For additional details on pregnancy options, Mayo Clinic is a trustworthy source.
Summary:
Rationing Internet access could significantly disrupt daily life, especially for those who rely on it for work, communication, and even health information. The growing dependence on online connectivity highlights the need to reevaluate our digital habits and consider how much we truly rely on the Internet for both personal and professional aspects of our lives.
Keyphrase: Rationing Internet access
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]