Are Indians More Obsessed With Water or the WiFi Password

From WiFi Password to Water Shortages: Rethinking Our Priorities in India

Water or the WiFi password? For most of us, the answer is obvious. WiFi has become more than a convenience in India; it’s almost a lifeline.

When the internet goes down right before an online test students become anxious. Without data professionals cannot make it through a train journey. With no reliable connection it seems impossible to even order food, pay bills or stream a favorite show. Along with food shelter and ironically water, WiFi has quietly become one of the basic necessities. 

The Water Paradox

The twist is that despite our obsession with constant internet access millions of Indians still face daily challenges in obtaining safe drinking water. Nearly 163 million people in India lack access to clean water according to UNICEF and WHO reports. Communities frequently have to deal with waterborne illnesses, rely on tainted sources or spend hours fetching water that seems commonplace to us. 

This difference is remarkable. We worry about sluggish downloads or buffering videos but we ignore a crisis that has a fundamental impact on life. Though connectivity is paramount, sustainability frequently comes in second. 

The Reasons WiFi Is Popular

Convenience is one reason why WiFi has become so essential to our daily lives. The internet feels essential in a world where people are connected by laptops, smartphones and social media. Perception is also important because in a society that prioritizes technology being online equates to productivity, social validation and survival. 

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Even if we have enough water it can be disastrous to miss a day of WiFi. Water which is actually what keeps life alive is frequently invisible in the meantime. Rural areas suffer the most from neglect: rivers and lakes are contaminated and groundwater is running out. Data packets are more valuable to us than water droplets.

The Effects of Incorrect Priorities

There are actual repercussions from this imbalance. If the WiFi network fails we might be slowed down for a few hours. Water scarcity is existential however. It impacts economic growth, gender equality, health and education. The system as a whole breaks down without water. However a weak WiFi signal frequently elicits stronger social reactions than a running water supply. 

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An Assessment of Reality

Which would you prefer: a day without WiFi or a day without water? Most people would probably choose WiFi. In actuality however our WiFi networks, smartphones and other gadgets are useless without water. Water is essential, connectivity is a luxury. 

Pause for a second the next time you reach for the WiFi password. Think about people who have to wait for a glass of clean water for hours on end. Value sustainability just as much as connectivity and perhaps start discussions about how to balance our digital lives with the most basic resources on the planet.