Internetreliant

Internetreliant is a term used to describe entities—ranging from individuals to organizations and infrastructure—that depend on internet connectivity and online services for essential operations or daily activities. The term is often used to emphasize the degree to which modern functions rely on networked systems rather than offline alternatives. Although not yet standardized, internetreliant is applied across sectors such as business, government, and personal life.

Scope and drivers: Cloud computing, software as a service, real-time communications, and data exchange over APIs have expanded the reach of internetreliant systems. Advances in mobile networks, edge computing, and ubiquitous sensors further embed internet connectivity into products and services.

Implications: Benefits include access to global markets, scalability, remote work, and rapid information flows. Risks include outages, cyber threats, privacy concerns, and the amplification of inequalities where parts of the population lack reliable access. Dependence on third-party providers creates potential single points of failure, making resilience planning and diversification important.

Examples: E-commerce platforms, streaming services, cloud-based applications, smart grids, telemedicine, and remote learning all illustrate internetreliant characteristics. Individual behavior—such as digital banking, social media, and online learning—reflects everyday reliance on online connectivity.

In policy and research, internetreliant concepts inform discussions on digital resilience, infrastructure readiness, and cybersecurity. Critics argue for balancing connectivity with offline alternatives and for safeguarding against monopolistic control of critical online services.