[Volpe]

... you moved the goal posts significantly. We aren't talking about whether the internet has a positive effect on society or the economy.

We are talking about uplifting the poor. Which is more formally known as "increasing social mobility". The internet doesn't do that... Social mobility in the US did not change significantly with the introduction and growth of the internet... what more evidence do you need against your point?

[patrickaljord]

When the economy improves, the poor live better and there are less of them living in the worst conditions. Otherwise, the economy wouldn't be improving. Call that uplifting, or social mobility or any other hip buzz word if you like. Doesn't change the fact that by helping the economy and creating jobs, the internet helps the poor by default. I witnessed it myself when living for years in the third world but it's a well known fact too that the internet helps the economy and creates jobs (and therefor helps the poor). Maybe you need to live in the third world for a while to see the direct positive impact the internet has on the poor and get out of your bubble.