zeit.de
Global Internet Traffic Surges 15 Percent in 2024, Driven by Online Gaming
DE-CIX reported a 15 percent increase in global internet traffic in 2024, reaching 68 exabytes, primarily driven by online gaming, unlike previous years dominated by sports streaming. This record traffic, exceeding double the 2020 levels, highlights the growing demand for digital content and the need for robust internet infrastructure.
- What are the long-term implications of this increased internet traffic for data center capacity, energy consumption, and the overall digital economy?
- The surge in internet traffic driven by online gaming suggests a continued shift towards digital entertainment and underscores the need for robust internet infrastructure to support future growth. The concentration of data traffic at key hubs like DE-CIX's Frankfurt location further emphasizes the importance of these facilities for global connectivity and stimulates related infrastructure development, as evidenced by Google's recent data center opening near Frankfurt.
- What were the primary factors driving the 15 percent increase in global internet traffic in 2024, and what are the immediate implications for internet infrastructure?
- Global internet traffic surged 15 percent in 2024, reaching 68 exabytes, according to DE-CIX, a leading internet exchange operator. This surpasses the previous year's record and represents more than double the traffic of 2020. The increase was primarily driven by gamers, unlike previous years dominated by Champions League streaming.
- How does the shift from sports streaming to online gaming as the primary driver of internet traffic peaks impact the planning and development of internet infrastructure?
- The 2024 increase in global internet traffic highlights the growing demand for online gaming and digital content. The release of major game updates, such as for "Assassin's Creed" and "Stalker 2", resulted in a peak traffic of 24.92 terabits per second on November 20th, surpassing previous records set by sporting events. This underscores the significant economic impact of robust internet infrastructure.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing emphasizes the surprising role of gaming in surpassing the usual dominance of soccer game streaming in driving internet traffic. The headline and initial paragraphs focus on this unexpected shift, potentially downplaying the overall sustained growth in internet traffic. This framing could lead readers to focus on gaming as the main story rather than the broader trend of increased internet usage.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and factual, presenting data in a straightforward manner. However, phrases such as "Gamer schlagen König Fußball" (Gamers beat King Football) inject a slightly informal and sensationalist tone, potentially exaggerating the significance of the gaming traffic surge. A more neutral phrasing would be preferable.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on gaming's contribution to increased internet traffic, potentially overlooking other significant factors contributing to the overall 15% increase. While the Assassin's Creed and Stalker 2 game releases are highlighted, no mention is made of other possible causes, such as increased video streaming of other content (besides soccer), business data transfers, or social media usage. This omission could lead readers to overestimate the impact of gaming on internet traffic.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by implying a competition between soccer streaming and gaming as the primary drivers of internet traffic. It highlights gaming's unexpected dominance in 2024, suggesting a direct contrast, when in reality, both likely contributed significantly and other factors were also at play.
Gender Bias
The article uses gender-neutral language ("Nutzerinnen und Nutzer") for gamers, avoiding gender bias in this specific instance. However, a more comprehensive analysis of gender representation within the gaming industry and its contribution to internet traffic would be beneficial to provide a fuller picture.
Sustainable Development Goals
The significant increase in internet traffic, driven by gaming and streaming, highlights the growth of digital infrastructure and its supporting industries. This growth necessitates advancements in network capacity, data centers, and related technologies, all of which contribute to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) targets related to building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation.