Loved the article about Internet Cafes, although they seemed to have missed that it is not really mobile phones that have done them in, but the social acceptability of carrying a laptop with you when travelling. Going through security at every airport is a dance of 'shoes off, belt off, jacket in tray, oh ... and get my laptop out..' There is no longer a need for shared computers... and then the availability of WiFi / Mobile Data everywhere did them in... and replaced them with all cafes having what you need when you have your laptop with you...
Yes I think a lot of factors contributed. Home internet, mobile devices etc etc. I do think though that in developing countries, where most internet cafes remain, it is most likely mobile devices that have had the biggest impact as they are far more accessible as both home internet and/or laptops.
Loved the article about Internet Cafes, although they seemed to have missed that it is not really mobile phones that have done them in, but the social acceptability of carrying a laptop with you when travelling. Going through security at every airport is a dance of 'shoes off, belt off, jacket in tray, oh ... and get my laptop out..' There is no longer a need for shared computers... and then the availability of WiFi / Mobile Data everywhere did them in... and replaced them with all cafes having what you need when you have your laptop with you...
Yes I think a lot of factors contributed. Home internet, mobile devices etc etc. I do think though that in developing countries, where most internet cafes remain, it is most likely mobile devices that have had the biggest impact as they are far more accessible as both home internet and/or laptops.