The internet has transformed the way we live over the past few decades and there is no sign of it slowing down. Here is what the internet could look like in 2024.

5G and Faster Speeds

By 2024, 5G networks are expected to be commonplace and provide significantly faster data speeds compared to today. This higher bandwidth will enable new internet applications that we can’t even imagine now.

4G networks currently provide download speeds up to 100 Mbps while early 5G networks are already delivering speeds up to 1 Gbps. By 2024, average 5G speeds could reach 1 Gbps or higher for mobile devices and up to 10 Gbps for homes and businesses.

These faster speeds will allow for higher-resolution streaming of video and audio, real-time high-definition video communications, immersive augmented and virtual reality experiences, and faster cloud services.

More IoT Devices and Smarter Homes

The number of internet-connected devices known as the Internet of Things (IoT) will continue to grow rapidly. There were around 30 billion IoT devices in 2019 and that figure is projected to reach 125 billion by 2030.

By 2024, homes will be filled with smart devices from appliances to lights to windows to security systems. These devices will be connected to the internet and controllable remotely through apps, voice assistants, and automated routines.

Smart cities with interconnected sensors and IoT devices will improve traffic management, environment monitoring, public safety, and more efficient use of resources.

Artificial Intelligence Everywhere

Advancements in AI and machine learning will power many of the new internet applications over the next few years.

By 2024, AI assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant will be even more intelligent and able to perform more complex tasks and hold natural conversations. We’ll likely see AI virtual assistants on many more devices beyond smartphones.

AI will be used to detect network anomalies, filter content, detect fraud and cyber threats, optimize business processes, and aid in medical diagnostics and many other fields.

However, concerns about AI safety, transparency, privacy, job displacement, and potential for harm will also grow and need to be addressed.

More Social and Immersive Experiences

Social media and online communities will continue to evolve and offer more immersive experiences.

By 2024, we’ll likely see the rise of more spatial social networks that bring aspects of the physical world into virtual spaces. Users will be able to interact with others in 3D environments using avatars.

Augmented and virtual reality technologies will enable more immersive online experiences for gaming, entertainment, simulations, and socializing. The use of AR and VR in industries like retail, education, and healthcare will also grow.

However, concerns about privacy, addiction, and the impact on people’s mental health will continue with the rise of more immersive internet experiences.

Greater Security Risks and Threats

As the internet expands and more devices come online, the potential threats from cybercrime will grow as well.

By 2024, we’ll likely see a rise in ransomware attacks, data breaches, IoT botnets, AI deception techniques like deep fakes, and other cyber threats aimed at individuals, businesses, and governments.

In response, we’ll also see the development of more advanced security technologies using approaches like AI, blockchain, and quantum cryptography. However, it will remain a constant battle to stay ahead of sophisticated cybercriminals.

The internet has transformed our world for the better in many ways. However, as the internet evolves, we must also work to mitigate the risks and harms that can arise from increasing connectivity. With thoughtful governance and ethical principles guiding the development of new Internet technologies, the coming years offer an opportunity to shape a better future powered by the Internet.

Pros

Greater Reliability

As networks become faster and more complex, reliability also improves through things like redundancy, multiple connection options, and error correction technologies. The Internet of 2024 will likely provide uninterrupted, always-on connectivity that we take for granted.

More Widespread Access

Efforts to expand internet access to more people and places are accelerating. By 2024, high-speed internet may reach over 90% of households globally. This wider reach means more opportunities for education, communication, and economic growth for communities previously left out of the digital revolution.

Advances in AI and Automation

Artificial intelligence and automation applied to internet services and infrastructure will continue to improve efficiency, performance, and security. By 2024, AI and machine learning may be generating optimizations that human engineers could never conceive on their own.

Greater Security and Privacy

As threats also evolve, security measures must keep pace. New technologies, standards, and regulations should improve the safeguarding of personal data and critical internet systems in the coming years.

Edge Computing and Decentralization

To handle the increasing volume of data from IoT devices and improve latency-sensitive applications, edge computing may become more popular. This approach involves processing data closer to the source, reducing the reliance on centralized data centers and enhancing internet efficiency.

Green Internet Initiatives

 With growing concerns about environmental sustainability, the internet industry may focus more on reducing its carbon footprint. Efforts to improve data center efficiency, energy consumption, and recycling electronic waste may be prioritized.

Global Digital Inclusion Efforts

 By 2024, there may be more efforts to close the digital gap and give poor areas access to the internet. Because the internet is so useful, governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and tech companies may work together to make it easier for everyone to use and less expensive.

Access to the internet varies greatly across the digital gap. This gap makes it harder for people and groups to take part in the digital age. In the coming years, there are likely to be more efforts to solve this problem.

For digital equality to work, governments are essential. Policy and funds from the government can help connect people who are alone or on the outside to the internet. To provide internet access in places that don’t have it yet, governments may also team up with tech companies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). When tech companies work together in this way, they might use their knowledge and resources to connect projects that improve connection with local needs and goals.

NGOs, which play a big role in digital inclusion, give community-based projects the most attention. These groups know how important it is to tailor answers to areas that aren’t well-represented. NGOs may build local facilities, teach people how to use technology, and push for everyone to have access to the internet. Through pushing and giving communities more power, NGOs may be able to close the digital divide and work for digital equality.

Tech companies can help close the digital gap with their technical know-how and creative solutions. Along with spending in cheap link options, tech companies may work with governments and NGOs to build long-term plans for internet access in areas that aren’t well served. Through teamwork, new technologies like low-cost satellite internet and community mesh networks may make it possible for people in distant areas to get reliable and cheap internet access.

Blockchain and Web 3.0

Blockchain technology has the ability to change many fields, such as banking and supply chain management. It may continue to grow in popularity, which could lead to the creation of a decentralized internet, which is also known as Web 3.0. This huge change could give users more privacy, security, and control over their data, upsetting the standard controlled methods of internet services.

Blockchain technology is basically a global ledger system that lets people keep records in a way that is open, safe, and can’t be changed. Blockchain makes sure that information is not controlled by a single organization or group by spreading out the store and proof of data. Some of the biggest problems with the internet right now are data breaches, privacy issues, and the fact that a few big companies have a lot of power. This split could help fix some of those problems.

Users will have more control over their data in a decentralized internet driven by blockchain technology. They can choose how and when their data is shared. With smart contracts, users can set the rules for who can access their data and when. They can also give and take away access as needed. Users can choose who can see their personal information, which can make safety and security better because they own and control their data more.

In addition, because blockchain is spread, it is naturally hard to hack and change data. The decentralized agreement process makes sure that records can’t be changed or messed with easily. This gives decentralized systems a level of trust and security that isn’t usually found in centralized systems. This better security can make users feel safer and encourage more people to use open internet services.

The rise of Web 3.0 or an open internet could change the way standard internet services work. In these models, user data is often sold for money without their knowledge or permission. But instead, users could keep control of their data and directly gain from its use through decentralized markets and tokenization, for example.

However, the road to a fully open internet is still being built. Blockchain technology has a huge potential to change the Internet as we know it. As the use of blockchain grows, we may see a change that puts user privacy, security, and data control first. This could lead to a new era of internet services that give people more power and make the digital environment more fair.

Current State of the Metaverse

As of 2021, the metaverse is still in its infancy, with various companies and platforms exploring its potential. Some notable examples include:

Facebook Horizon: Facebook’s VR social platform aims to create a metaverse-like experience where users can explore, socialize, and create content.

Roblox: This massively multiplayer online platform enables users to create and play games, providing a glimpse into the metaverse’s potential for user-generated content.

Decentraland: Built on blockchain technology, Decentraland allows users to buy, sell, and trade virtual land and assets, fostering a decentralized metaverse economy.

Anticipated Developments by 2024

By 2024, we can expect several advancements and trends in the metaverse:

1. Improved Virtual Reality Experiences

With the rapid evolution of VR technology, we anticipate more realistic and immersive experiences within the metaverse. Higher resolution displays, haptic feedback, and improved motion tracking will enhance user immersion and presence.

2. Expanded Use Cases

The metaverse is likely to expand beyond gaming and socializing, finding applications in various industries. Education, healthcare, architecture, and entertainment sectors may leverage the metaverse for training, simulations, virtual conferences, and more.

3. Interoperability and Standardization

To ensure seamless user experiences across different platforms and applications, interoperability and standardization efforts are expected to gain traction. Open protocols and frameworks will enable users to move between different metaverse environments with ease.

4. Enhanced Social Interactions

As the metaverse evolves, social interactions within the virtual space will become more sophisticated. Features like realistic avatars, natural language processing, and spatial audio will enable users to communicate and connect more authentically.

5. Metaverse Economies and Digital Assets

The metaverse is likely to see the emergence of robust economies and marketplaces for digital assets. Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and blockchain technology will enable ownership, trading, and monetization of virtual goods, creating new opportunities for creators and entrepreneurs.

Challenges and Considerations

While the metaverse holds immense potential, several challenges and considerations must be addressed:

Privacy and Security: Protecting user data and ensuring secure interactions within the metaverse will be crucial to maintain user trust.

Accessibility and Inclusivity: Efforts must be made to ensure that the metaverse is accessible to individuals with disabilities and that it does not perpetuate existing inequalities.

Ethical Considerations: As the metaverse becomes more integrated into our lives, ethical questions related to content moderation, intellectual property rights, and digital identity will arise.