"接続は人権です。"

At its core, the idea here is that being connected to the internet is essential for people in today’s world. Think about it—without internet access, imagine how cut off you’d feel from pretty much everything. You wouldn’t be able to keep up with news, stay in touch with friends and family, or even do basic things like paying bills or applying for jobs. It’s become such a fundamental part of our daily lives that saying “connectivity is a human right” makes a lot of sense.

This idea about connectivity being a fundamental right isn't just something that popped up out of nowhere. It’s grown in importance over the last few decades as technology and the internet have become more deeply woven into the fabric of our society. Back in 2011, the United Nations even declared that disconnecting people from the internet is a violation of human rights. That’s a pretty big deal! It shows just how crucial internet access has become.

Let’s look at a real-life example to bring this idea home. During the COVID-19 pandemic, schools around the world shut down, and education moved online. Kids who didn’t have internet access at home were at a huge disadvantage. Imagine trying to keep up with classes and homework while relying on a spotty phone signal or having to go to a public library (if it was even open). Some families had to sit outside fast-food restaurants just to use free Wi-Fi. This scenario made it painfully clear that without connectivity, you’re left behind. Education, work, healthcare—everything suffered without the internet.

Now, how can you apply this wisdom to your life or community? Start by recognizing the importance of connectivity. If you’re in a position to help, consider donating to organizations that provide internet access to underserved communities. Maybe you can support policies that aim to make internet access universal. Even on a smaller scale, if you know someone struggling without reliable internet, see if you can help them out.

Picture this: You’re a teacher. You’ve got this bright student who’s always done well in class. But once remote learning kicks in, she starts falling behind. You find out her family can’t afford a good internet connection. It’s heartbreaking, right? So, what do you do? You rally the community—talk to local businesses, the school board, whoever will listen—and push for a solution. Maybe it’s setting up hotspots or finding funds for low-cost internet plans. Your efforts could make all the difference, not just for her, but for countless other students in the same boat.

In a nutshell, treating connectivity as a human right is about recognizing how integral the internet has become to modern life and working to ensure everyone has access. It’s about not leaving anyone out in the cold. So next time you log on, think about how fortunate you are—and consider what you can do to make that same opportunity available to everyone.