Summary of predictions on the internet’s future

1 The internet will become like electricity

The internet will become invisible, much like electricity. It'll serves its purpose and become mandatory for many systems.

2 It will enhance global connectivity

It will enhance global connectivity, improving relationships among societies. See also why is the internet so addictive.

3 People will become more self-knowing

The 'Internet of Things', artificial intelligence and big data will make people more aware of their own behavior and the reasons behind it.

4 Augmented reality will become the norm

Augmented reality will monitor and give quick feedback on health and the external world. It will become the norm.

5 Political activity will be more frequent

Political actions, such as public uprisings, like the Arab Spring, will become more frequent as people organize events over the internet. See also why the Egyptian revolution happened.

6 Interest groups will form

Power groups that transcend the borders of nations, based on shared interests will be formed. Anonymous are an example. See also why do humans join groups.

7 The internet will split

The internet will split into 'the internets' because of various political and economical policies.

8 Education will cost less

There will be more educational opportunities and they will cost less money, or even be free. People will also use the internet to self-educate themselves.

9 Gaps between groups might increase

Gaps between those that oppose each other might increase, resulting in resentment and more violence. See also summary of the Syrian crisis.

10 New ways of harming others will come about

Abuses and abusers will find new ways to hurt others over the internet as it becomes more integrated into everyday life. See also how emotional abuse affects the brain.

11 Governments will use it to control people

Governments and corporations will use the internet to control people by means such as limiting access to it and sapping access to information. See also why are some people passionate about politics.

12 Privacy will disappear

Most people will trade off privacy for access to features, while privacy will become something only a few enjoy. See also why do people care about online privacy.

13 Answers will become instant

With the rise of trends such as search engines becoming answer machines, people will gain immediate answers to their questions.

14 Everything will collect data

Cars, buildings, cities, and people will have sensors and softwares that track resources, respond to crime, or take constant vital signs.

15 The internet will be available on Mars

NASA plans to establish an internet connection on Mars by 2030.

16 Governments will run almost all services online

Some governments, such as Estonia's, already provide almost all of their services online. It is predicted that other countries will follow their example.