Imagine waking up one day to find the entire internet gone forever. No emails, social media, online banking, or streaming services. This would mean a seismic shift in daily life for millions of Americans. The disruption could cripple industries, halt communication, and even impact emergency services.
According to the information provided by Kepios and published in Statista reports, as of 2023, about 97.1% of people in the United States used the internet, a big jump from 75% in 2012. Understanding this dire need and necessity of the internet in our daily lives, we’ve created a plausible list of things to expect if this digital lifeline were to disappear permanently.
Communication Breakdown
If the internet were to disappear permanently, the United States would face a major communication breakdown. The dependency on emails, instant messaging, and social media for both personal and professional interactions is immense. Traditional phone calls and postal mail would become the primary means of communication, significantly slowing down the speed and efficiency of information exchange.
Economic Disruption
If the internet were to go down forever, the U.S. economy would face massive disruptions. Online businesses, a significant part of the economy, would be the most brutal hit. E-commerce giants like Amazon and eBay would be forced to shut down, leading to billions in lost revenue. The Census Bureau reported that U.S. retail e-commerce sales for the first quarter of 2024 were $289.2 billion, highlighting the heavy reliance on the internet for commercial activities. Small businesses that depend on online transactions and digital marketing would also struggle to survive.
Banking and Finance
The cessation of the internet would bring significant challenges to the U.S. banking and finance sector. As per a national survey published by the American Bankers Association, at least 48% of bank customers prefer mobile apps for account management, while 23% use online banking via laptops or PCs. A complete Internet breakdown would lead to a vast disruption, such as difficulties accessing funds, making transactions, and paying bills. The stock market, heavily dependent on digital platforms for trading and transactions, would face significant disruptions.
Education Halt
If the internet were to go down forever, the U.S. education system would face significant disruptions. Millions of students and educators rely heavily on digital platforms for virtual classrooms, assignments, and resources. The sudden loss of digital tools like seamless WiFi router connections would force a return to traditional classroom settings, potentially increasing costs and limiting access to quality education, especially in rural areas where schools might be far apart.
Healthcare Impact
The disappearance of the internet would severely disrupt healthcare services in the United States. Telemedicine, which has significantly grown since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, relies heavily on internet connectivity for remote consultations and patient monitoring. Additionally, many office-based physicians use electronic health records (EHRs) to access patient information would become inaccessible.
Entertainment Void
An internet shutdown would create a significant void in the entertainment industry. Streaming services like Netflix and Spotify, social media platforms, and online gaming would all become inaccessible. Netflix alone had over 80.13 million subscribers in the United States and Canada, demonstrating the heavy reliance on internet-based entertainment. While traditional media like TV and radio might see a resurgence, the variety and accessibility of entertainment options would drastically diminish, leaving many without their usual sources of enjoyment.
Workplace Shift
If the internet were to suddenly become unavailable, it would cause a significant transformation in the American workplace. According to a recent study by Upwork, a global freelancer platform, nearly 36.2 million Americans are projected to work remotely by 2025. An internet shutdown would completely dismantle this flexible setup for many employees across the nation.
Furthermore, sectors that heavily rely on a functioning internet connection, such as e-commerce, online banking, and digital marketing, would face severe disruptions. These industries would struggle to maintain operations, leading to potential economic instability and significant challenges in providing services to customers.
News and Information
If the internet became permanently unavailable, access to real-time news and information would be significantly reduced. Americans would have to rely more on traditional media such as newspapers, radio, and television for updates. This shift would slow news distribution, as digital platforms like CNN, The New York Times, and local news websites currently provide immediate information.
E-Government Services
In the United States, e-government services play a crucial role in providing convenient and efficient access to various public services. These online platforms allow citizens to complete essential tasks such as renewing driver’s licenses (DMV) and applying for government benefits from the comfort of their homes. The newly launched IRS’s e-filing system with paperless processing for taxpayers will also be wholly disrupted if it faces a probable internet shutdown.
Supply Chain Disruptions
Without the internet, the U.S. supply chain would face severe disruptions, impacting everything from grocery stores to manufacturing plants. Real-time tracking and management of inventory, shipments, and logistics would halt, leading to delays and shortages. Businesses rely heavily on online systems to maintain efficiency and coordination across the supply chain.
Security Concerns
Without the internet, security systems worldwide would face significant vulnerabilities. Online surveillance cameras, alarm systems, and smart home devices, which rely on internet connectivity, would become inoperative, exposing homes and businesses to increased risks of burglary, phishing, and other crimes. Cybersecurity measures protecting sensitive data would be compromised, potentially leading to higher rates of identity theft and data breaches.
Social Isolation
The permanent loss of the internet would significantly amplify social isolation across the United States. Without social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, people would lose vital connections with friends and family, particularly those living far away. This sudden disconnect could lead to increased feelings of loneliness and mental health issues. Furthermore, virtual communities and support groups that provide essential emotional and social support would disappear, leaving many without critical lifelines.
