How Did Jio Help India in Bringing the Digital Revolution?

Mukesh Ambani, the richest man in India and the head of the nation's most valuable company, Reliance Industries Ltd., asserted that his conglomerate's telecom and digital unit, Jio, could provide the vital ingredients necessary to lead the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

India has historically missed out on the first three industrial revolutions, such as the mechanics and mass production of the first, the assembly line and electricity in the second, and the information technology advancements of the third. However, with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, characterized by the convergence of digital and physical technologies like digital connectivity, cloud computing, IoT, smart devices, artificial intelligence, robotics, blockchain, AR/VR, and genomics, India now has an exceptional opportunity.

Before Jio: The Lagging Indian Telecom

India's telecommunications landscape was significantly impacted before Jio. The 2G network took 25 years to build, while Jio built its 4G network in just three years, demonstrating an unprecedented speed in the deployment of ultra-high-speed internet connectivity. Jio's business model was revolutionary, offering a bouquet of mobile apps and data at dirt-cheap rates, thereby significantly reducing the barrier to internet access for the masses.

Impact of Jio on India's Internet Usage and Content

The Radical Change in YouTube Trends

One of the most visible changes brought about by Jio in India was a significant shift in the behavior of internet users. Before Jio, Indian YouTube content was sparse, with little Indian exclusivity. Popular views ranged from 50,000 to 5,000. After Jio, the number skyrocketed. A popular trailer from a Telugu film by Jr. Ntr gained over 20 million views, breaking records, and Bollywood songs saw a surge in views reaching over 50 million, illustrating the internet revolution Jio initiated.

Comments: The Dark Side of the Internet

The democratization of the internet led to a surge in content creation and consumption, but it also revealed the darker side of the digital world. Before Jio, comments were more constructive and content-specific. However, the proliferation of clickbaits and gossipy content led to a decline in quality. Unverified information, excessive vulgarity, and offensive language began to dominate the comment sections, reflecting a shift in the culture of online discourse.

Quality of YouTube Content

Before Jio, India's YouTube content was largely exclusive and of high quality, with popular personalities like Geeky Ranjith and Technical Guruji leading the way. Post Jio, the landscape became more crowded, with a surge in gossipy and misleading content, often leading to clicks rather than substance. This shift towards clickbait over quality content has been a significant change in the Indian YouTube ecosystem.

Google Movie Reviews and TikTok

Google movie reviews before Jio were more honest and detailed. However, the rise of user-generated content post Jio often led to biased reviews, with some heroes' fans reviewing movies that they had barely watched. TikTok, which didn't exist until Jio, became a platform for unattractive individuals to become internet stars through viral content, highlighting the rise of popularity over quality.

The Bright Side of Jio's Revolution

While the internet revolution brought by Jio transformed India in numerous positive ways, it also had some unintended consequences. Increased internet access led to remote educational opportunities, improved daily life, and telehealth services. However, the era post Jio brought a rise in low-quality content, clickbait, and a decline in overall internet ethics. The transformation of the Indian internet is a testament to the rapid changes brought about by technology but also highlights the need for more robust moral and ethical standards in digital content.

Conclusion

The impact of Jio on India's digital landscape is profound. It has not only brought the Fourth Industrial Revolution closer but also transformed how people consume and engage with digital content. While the internet has democratized access and paved the way for many, the quality of online content and discourse has declined. As India moves forward, it is crucial to strive for a balance between technological advancement and ethical digital practices.