[Ardit20]

I don't know about happiness. That is a very vague, subjective word which I am not sure it even means much in substance, but, if prosperity makes people happy, then yes I guess internet access makes you happy. So too, if autonomy, that is access to knowledge so that you have the means of pursuing your aims makes people happy, then yes I do think that access to the internet makes you happy.

So too I suppose if having better health information, satisfying the desire for fairness through learning of say if others get things on merit or other means, being able to see on video and talk for however long you want for free with your parents who might live in another town and you do not have the means to visit them... I suppose, even assume, that access to the internet makes you happier yes.

As for distractions, really they are laziness rather than distraction. I doubt people in the middle ages where fulfilling their potential and doing what they willed all the time. Besides, perhaps access to the internet can help you manage the distractions.

From the smiley though I suppose you weren't serious, but I do feel for the people of North Korea and I think we are a bit wrong to ignore their plight.

[Amnon]

I suppose you're right. It was the rich man's bias, thinking that you don't need money to be happy. (That word again). Also, I didn't realize that you were speaking more generally.

Of course the lack of internet access is also related to other things (e.g. food shortage) that I didn't refer to.