If the internet were a country, it would be the third-largest consumer of electricity in the world.
How many options do you have on your phone to contact someone? Messenger, WhatsApp, Text Messages, Instagram…just to name a few. What if we added an ecological and ethical criterion to this question?
When we use the internet instead of the phone network, the data transfer consumes much more energy. Very often, there is also storage in data centers, which are even more energy-intensive (possibly located on the other side of the world… and often powered by coal-fired plants, which quickly increases the carbon footprint).
Yes, a text message is much less harmful to the planet than a WhatsApp message (approximately 300 times less!) because it goes directly through our “good old” phone lines. Not to mention the fact that your personal data is often freely exploited by these giants, or at least it’s difficult to know where it ends up! And as the saying goes, “If it’s free, you’re the product…”
Also, text messaging offers a higher level of privacy since the communication is typically encrypted and remains within the mobile network infrastructure. Some internet messaging platforms may raise privacy concerns due to data collection practices or potential vulnerabilities in encryption and security measures.
Finally, while many internet messaging apps are free to use, they may require data plans or consume significant amounts of mobile data, which can result in additional costs for users with limited data allowances.
Of course, Internet messaging platforms offer a wide range of features, including multimedia file sharing, voice and video calls, group chats, and real-time syncing across multiple devices and can be accessed from various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers, providing flexibility in communication.
So, after all, this is your life, your choices, your battles. Pick them wisely, for they define who you are and what you stand for =)
Continue reading to discover environmentally conscious actions that can make a positive impact on our world.
Continue reading to discover environmentally conscious actions that can make a positive impact on our world.
When discussing the internet’s impact and the need for eco-friendly solutions, it becomes apparent that search engines play a crucial role. Fortunately, there are initiatives aimed at addressing these concerns by offering eco-friendly search engines.