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Internet in the Americas: Who's Connected?

By Dr. Elizabeth J. Zechmeister , Dr. Emily C. Saunders, Jessica M. Brunelle

Internet users are wealthier, more urban—and more tolerant—than their unconnected compatriots.

Across the Americas, Internet usage is on the rise. Access to the Internet—fundamental to the full realization of human rights, according to the United Nations—can significantly improve quality of life by increasing knowledge and understanding, by broadening expression, and by deepening engagement with civil society.1 Especially since the widespread use of the Internet by activists during the Arab Spring movement, many have debated whether or not Internet use promotes democracy. But while the complex role the Internet plays in political change still remains to be studied, we can...

Read this article on the Americas Quarterly website. | Subscribe to AQ.

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