Digital

Internet: A luxury or necessity

Published

4 years ago

February 1, 2022

The internet is the world’s largest computer network, linking millions of computers. It has become an integral part of our daily lives. The effective use of the internet makes our lives easier, faster, and simpler. It is critical to understand that the Internet is a global network of physical cabling, which can include copper telephone wires, television cables, and fiber optic cables. Even wireless connections, such as Wi-Fi and 3G/4G, rely on physical cords to connect to the Internet.

The internet provides us with facts and data, as well as information and knowledge, to aid in our personal, social, and economic development. All of this is possible by connecting a computer to the Internet, generally known as going online. When someone says a computer is online, it simply means it is linked to the Internet. The internet can be used for a variety of purposes; however, how we utilize the internet in our daily lives is determined by our particular needs and goals. It’s no secret that the internet is becoming an increasingly important part of our daily lives.

Problem statement

The Internet not only became one of the most widely utilized commodities, but it also improved dramatically, becoming the most marketable entity since then. We used to live without the internet, just as we used to live without electricity but in the contemporary it is unimaginable. A huge number of researches have been done on the importance of internet, it’s role in our lives but my research is specifically focused on how has the pandemic highlighted that the internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity in today’s world.

Objective

Theoretically, the purpose of this study is to determine the following research objectives:

To assess the importance of Internet
To analyse that the internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity in today’s world

Research question

How has the pandemic highlighted that the internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity?

Literature review

The literature is based on detailed analysis of internet and the use of internet in our lives. The importance of internet has been discussed in various research papers. Based on available literature, it is critical to expand knowledge in this area. As a result, this study is proposed to be a comprehensive study based on detailed analysis of how the internet is not a luxury anymore and how it has become a necessity, as the pandemic has proved.

Methodology

To achieve this research’s major objectives, I have used an interpretive approach that focused on the importance of internet in our lives that has been highlighted during the pandemic and has changed the perception of humans about the access to the internet. The research is deductive in nature as it examines the data which is qualitative and narrative in nature and it is obtained from the credible secondary sources consisted of official documents, academic studies, articles and reports.

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Research Analysis

There are some things in life that we perceive to be a necessary part of our daily lives. However, a few years ago, the same things were either non-existent or viewed as luxury rather than a necessity – the internet being one of them. Internet access is a basic requirement of modern life for me and most individuals I know. When the internet first arrived in Pakistan in the 1990s, it was not only pricey, but many people predicted that it would not remain long owing to its complexities.

Fortunately, they were all incorrect. The Internet not only became one of the most widely utilized commodities, but it also improved dramatically, becoming the most marketable entity since then. We used to live without the internet, just as we used to live without electricity or indoor plumbing back in the days, but life with each of these things is so much better than life without them that we all agree that everyone should have them. But from 2000’s the internet has become critical for day-to-day tasks.

It is the only way we can communicate with and care for close friends and family living far away, most of the institutions have started providing services online, For example, if we want to take admission in a university, we will have to fill an online application form, but it is only possible if we have internet access. So now, we have compelling reasons to recognize a right to Internet access. If there was any doubt about how important internet access is, the current coronavirus outbreak might has eliminated it.

When the COVID-19 pandemic broke out earlier this year, much of the world went online, hastening a decades-long digital change. Children with at-home Internet access began attending class remotely; many employees began working from home. Universities also moved teaching and tutoring online, which has produced issues for students who do not have or do not have enough Internet connectivity. During the pandemic, most people could only work if they can do so online. Those who do not have access to the Internet are unable to apply for jobs that need them to work online. Working and learning from home, have all been made possible by the internet. Seeing friends and going to the doctor without exposing yourself or others became possible during the lockdown because of the access to the internet. The world recognized that the unavailability of internet is a dilemma for people and states.

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Furthermore, practicing political rights like as free speech and free assembly are only feasible virtually under quarantine. Access to politically relevant information, such as scientific research and other information that helps citizens to form their own opinions about how the government is handling the pandemic, is also important. These examples demonstrate that the Internet provides critical infrastructure for many essential activities in the current pandemic. In such a context, a lack of effective internet access jeopardizes individual liberties and is thus particularly a serious social concern. Our dependence on internet during the coronavirus crisis has reshaped how we will act once the pandemic has passed. The real lesson is that we have made the internet an essential element of our personal and professional life. This isn’t about to change. The pandemic has introduced a new narrative or worldview in which we rely on the internet to bring economic and social activities to us rather than us going to them.

So access to Internet is not only one of the most visible, but also one of the most shocking inequities shown by COVID-19.This might surprise you but even in developed countries, internet availability is frequently less than you might expect. Take, for example, the United States. More than 6% of the population (21 million people) do not have access to the Internet. In Australia, this figure is 13%. Even in the richest countries, the internet cannot keep everyone connected. In addition, 3.7 billion individuals do not have access to the internet. The vast majority live in underdeveloped countries. More than one billion children worldwide are currently barred from attending school due to quarantine procedures. Even though teachers hold daily online lessons, many of these children are unable to participate due to the unavailability of Internet.

When we say internet access is a necessity not a luxury, this narrative is also supported by the increase in number of internet users over time. Since 2005 to 2019 there has been a sharp increase in the penetration of internet.

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According to Statista’s report, the statistics of internet penetration globally are as follows:

Number of internet users worldwide from 2005 to 2019 (fig 1)

There were 4.66 billion active internet users globally in January 2021, accounting for 59.5 percent of the global population. 92.6 percent (4.32 billion) of this total accessed the internet. A world without the internet is now unthinkable. Now the internet, which connects billions of people globally, is a key pillar of the modern world.

The focus on the pandemic should not cause us to lose sight of how important the Internet has become during normal days as well. Online access has become part of the routine to the majority of us. Every day, we utilize the Internet for a variety of purposes, both significant and insignificant. Most of us couldn’t fathom working or communicating with loved ones without it. This is not the case for a large percentage of people. A reclaimable right to basic internet access would significantly improve their lives. Along with the daily use, Covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated unequivocally that the Internet is no longer a luxury, a convenient addition to those who can afford it. Internet access, on the other hand, has become a basic requirement. All we need to do is shift our perception of internet access from a luxury to a necessity.

Recommendations and Conclusion

To sum up everything that has been discussed so far it is past time for us to acknowledge the fundamental relevance of internet access. It is the right time to value internet access in the same way that we value electricity, drinking water, and paved roads. Each is necessary for a healthy and prosperous society, which is why we spend so much money to make these requirements available across the country. To be sure, the problem of providing and regulating inexpensive internet access for everyone is complex and costly, but it is not impossible. Governments should work on making the availability and affordability of internet a possibility for the people- because there is no denying to this; that in the contemporary world the access to internet has become a necessity.

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AI

Nvidia Earnings Power AI Boom, Stock Faces Pressure

Published

1 week ago

November 18, 2025

Abdul Rahman

NVDA earnings beat expectations, fueling AI momentum, but Nvidia stock price shows investor caution.

Nvidia’s latest earnings report has once again underscored its central role in the global AI revolution. The chipmaker, whose GPUs power everything from generative AI models to advanced data centers, posted blockbuster results that exceeded Wall Street expectations. Yet, despite the strong NVDA earnings, the Nvidia stock price slipped, reflecting investor caution amid sky-high valuations and intense competition. According to Yahoo Finance, the company’s results remain one of the most closely watched indicators of AI’s commercial trajectory.

Table of Contents

Key Earnings Highlights

For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, Nvidia reported record revenue of $39.3 billion, up 78% year-over-year. Data center sales, driven by surging demand for AI infrastructure, accounted for $35.6 billion, a 93% increase from the prior yearNVIDIA Newsroom. Earnings per share came in at $0.89, up 82% year-over-year.

On a full-year basis, Nvidia delivered $130.5 billion in revenue, more than doubling its performance from fiscal 2024. This growth cements Nvidia’s dominance in the AI hardware market, where its GPUs remain the backbone of large language models, autonomous systems, and enterprise AI adoption.

Expert and Market Reactions

Analysts on Yahoo Finance’s Market Catalysts noted that while Nvidia consistently beats estimates, its stock often reacts negatively due to lofty expectations. Antoine Chkaiban of New Street Research emphasized that five of the past eight earnings beats were followed by declines in Nvidia stock, as investors reassess valuations.

Investor sentiment remains mixed. On one hand, Nvidia’s results confirm its unrivaled position in AI infrastructure. On the other, concerns about sustainability, competition from rivals like AMD, and potential regulatory scrutiny weigh on market psychology.

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NVDA Stock Price Analysis

Following the earnings release, NVDA stock price fell nearly 3%, closing at $181.08, down from a previous close of $186.60. Despite the dip, Nvidia shares remain up almost 28% over the past yearBenzinga, reflecting long-term confidence in its AI-driven growth story.

The volatility highlights a recurring theme: Nvidia’s earnings power is undeniable, but investor sentiment is sensitive to valuation risks. With a trailing P/E ratio above 50, the stock is priced for perfection, leaving little margin for error.

Forward-Looking AI Implications

Nvidia’s earnings reaffirm that AI is not just a technological trend but a revenue engine reshaping the semiconductor industry. The company’s GPUs are embedded in every layer of AI innovation—from cloud hyperscalers to startups building generative AI applications.

Looking ahead, analysts expect Nvidia’s revenue to continue climbing, with consensus estimates projecting EPS growth of more than 40% next year. However, the company must navigate challenges including supply chain constraints, intensifying competition, and geopolitical risks tied to chip exports.

Outlook

Nvidia’s latest earnings report demonstrates the company’s unmatched leverage in the AI economy. While NVDA earnings continue to impress, the Nvidia stock price reflects investor caution amid high expectations. For long-term shareholders, the trajectory remains promising: Nvidia is positioned as the indispensable supplier of AI infrastructure, a role that will likely define both its market value and the broader tech landscape.

In the months ahead, Nvidia’s ability to balance innovation with investor confidence will determine whether its stock can sustain momentum. As AI adoption accelerates globally, Nvidia’s role as the sector’s bellwether remains unchallenged.

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Digital

Navigating the EU’s New Competition Rules: Tech Giants’ Response to the Digital Markets Act

Published

2 years ago

March 7, 2024

Abdul Rahman

blue and yellow round star print textile

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and competition, the European Union has introduced new rules that are set to reshape the way tech giants operate within its borders. The Digital Markets Act (DMA) has put forth stringent regulations aimed at fostering fair competition and protecting consumers. As the deadline for compliance looms, tech giants find themselves at a crossroads, balancing compliance with their business strategies.

Understanding the Digital Markets Act:
The Digital Markets Act (DMA) is a comprehensive regulatory framework designed to address the dominance of tech giants in the digital market. By identifying six designated ‘gatekeepers,’ including companies like Google, Amazon, and Facebook, the EU aims to curb anti-competitive practices and ensure a level playing field for all market participants.

Tech Giants’ Initial Resistance:
Unsurprisingly, tech giants have not welcomed the DMA with open arms. Many have voiced concerns over the potential impact on their business models and market dominance. The initial response from these companies was one of resistance, with legal challenges and lobbying efforts aimed at diluting the regulations.

Adapting to Compliance:
Despite their initial resistance, tech giants have begun to adapt to the reality of complying with the DMA. Recognizing the inevitability of these regulations, companies have started implementing changes to align with the new rules. From data sharing requirements to transparency measures, tech giants are making strategic shifts to ensure compliance while minimizing disruption to their operations.

Striking a Balance:
For tech giants, navigating the DMA is a delicate balancing act. On one hand, they must comply with the regulations set forth by the EU to avoid hefty fines and penalties. On the other hand, they must continue to innovate and grow their businesses in a highly competitive market. Striking this balance requires careful planning and strategic decision-making.

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Implications for Competition and Innovation:
The implementation of the DMA has far-reaching implications for competition and innovation within the digital market. By leveling the playing field and promoting fair competition, these regulations aim to foster a more dynamic and diverse ecosystem where smaller players can thrive alongside tech giants. This shift could lead to increased innovation and consumer choice in the long run.

Conclusion:
As the EU’s new competition rules come into effect, tech giants are facing a new reality that demands adaptation and strategic planning. The Digital Markets Act represents a significant milestone in regulating the digital economy and ensuring fair competition for all market participants. By understanding and responding proactively to these regulations, tech giants can navigate this new landscape successfully while continuing to drive innovation and growth in the digital market.

In conclusion, as tech giants respond to the EU’s new competition rules under the Digital Markets Act, they are faced with challenges that require both compliance and strategic adaptation. By embracing these changes and finding ways to innovate within this new regulatory framework, tech giants can not only meet regulatory requirements but also thrive in a more competitive and diverse digital market landscape.

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AI

A New Challenger to Google’s Throne: Can AI Search Engines Profit?

Published

2 years ago

February 10, 2024

Abdul Rahman

young lady typing on keyboard of laptop in living room

A new competitor using artificial intelligence is making waves in the rapidly changing technology sector, where search engine industry heavyweights like Google have long held a dominant position. The tech industry is curious and debating the possibility that a young business is preparing to threaten Google’s hegemony, according to recent reports. There are still unanswered concerns regarding the practicality and profitability of AI-driven search engines, despite the enticing prospect of competition in the search engine business.

The Rise of a Challenger

Google, with its ubiquitous search engine, has become synonymous with internet searches, boasting billions of queries processed every day. Its algorithms have been refined over the years to deliver increasingly accurate and relevant results to users worldwide. However, the emergence of artificial intelligence has opened doors to new possibilities in search technology.

Enter the new player, a company leveraging AI to revolutionize the way we search for information online. With advanced machine learning algorithms and natural language processing capabilities, this upstart aims to provide users with a more intuitive and personalized search experience. By understanding context, intent, and user preferences, it promises to deliver results that are not only accurate but also tailored to individual needs.

Challenging the Status Quo

The prospect of a new competitor entering the search engine arena raises intriguing possibilities. Competition breeds innovation, and the presence of a formidable challenger could spur Google to further enhance its own search capabilities. Moreover, increased competition could lead to greater choice and diversity in the search engine market, empowering users with alternatives to the established giant.

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However, dethroning Google is no easy feat. The tech behemoth has built a massive infrastructure over decades, comprising vast amounts of data, sophisticated algorithms, and a global network of servers. Its brand recognition and user loyalty are formidable barriers for any would-be competitor to overcome.

The Profitability Conundrum

While the potential for innovation and competition is enticing, questions linger about the profitability of AI-driven search engines. Unlike traditional search engines that rely heavily on advertising revenue, the business model for AI search engines is less clear-cut.

Advertising remains a primary revenue stream for search engines, with Google generating billions in ad revenue each year. However, the effectiveness of advertising on AI-driven platforms may differ from traditional search engines. AI algorithms prioritize relevance and user experience, which could impact the display and effectiveness of ads.

Moreover, the costs associated with developing and maintaining AI technology are substantial. Training machine learning models, processing vast amounts of data, and ensuring the scalability and reliability of AI systems require significant investment. Whether AI search engines can generate sufficient revenue to offset these costs remains uncertain.

Monetizing AI Search Engines

Despite the challenges, there are potential avenues for monetizing AI search engines beyond traditional advertising. One possibility is offering premium services or subscriptions that provide enhanced features and capabilities to users willing to pay for them. These could include advanced search filters, personalized recommendations, or access to exclusive content.

Another option is leveraging AI technology to provide targeted insights and analytics to businesses. By analyzing search patterns and user behavior, AI search engines could offer valuable data-driven insights to marketers, researchers, and other stakeholders. This data could be monetized through licensing agreements or subscription services.

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Additionally, partnerships and collaborations with other companies could provide revenue opportunities for AI search engines. By integrating with e-commerce platforms, travel agencies, or other service providers, they could earn referral fees or commissions for directing users to relevant products and services.

The Road Ahead

As the tech landscape continues to evolve, the emergence of AI-driven search engines represents a fascinating development with the potential to disrupt the status quo. While questions remain about their profitability and viability, the allure of innovation and competition cannot be ignored.

Ultimately, the success of AI search engines will depend on their ability to deliver value to users while finding sustainable revenue streams. Whether they can truly challenge Google’s dominance remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the era of AI-powered search is upon us, and the possibilities are endless.

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