Instagram Down in South Africa, Here’s What You Can Do
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The epic blackout that hit South Africa also left its mark on the country’s digital ecosystem. While some social media users were lucky, others were not, as they could not access their favorite platforms. Instagram was down in South Africa, and other sites like Twitter and WhatsApp were also affected. However, it is safe to say that the blackout did not drastically impact people’s daily lives since most people have access to alternative means of communication and entertainment. However, this does not mean that there are no consequences for staying offline for so long. The country’s economy suffered a setback after the business was halted for over 24 hours due to the blackout. Other adverse effects will be felt in the future as well. Here is what you can do if you cannot access your favorite sites in South Africa and how being offline can help you get out of it:
Stay offline to help the economy.
One of the major arguments against being offline is that it can hurt the economy as businesses stopped operations for 24 hours due to the blackout. However, this was not a fact. The faint had little consequences for the economy as most trades were automated, meaning they were not dependent on the Internet. The only companies shut down were the non-automated ones, such as restaurants, retail stores, and banks. In addition, the blackout also impacted the South African tourism industry as more people stayed home after being unable to access social media. The outage resulted in cancellations of over 100 flights which cost the economy between half a million and a million rand. The blackout also caused a decrease in online spending by as much as $1.6 million.
Could you turn off your wifi when not using it?
Another tip to ensure that you have the best possible Internet access is to turn off your wireless router when you are not using it. When your router turns on, it will continuously scan for wireless networks to connect to. This can consume a lot of energy and cause heating issues in your home. Turning your router off when you are not using it is also a good idea, as this can save a lot of energy.
Use a virtual private network (VPN)
A Virtual private network is a tool that allows you to make your computer appear to be in a different location. This will enable you to access geo-restricted sites blocked in your region. It is a great way to stay safe online and keep your browsing private. A VPN can access social media and streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, iPlayer, and Hulu.
Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP)
You can contact your internet provider if you are facing issues while accessing platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram. ISPs are responsible for the reliable delivery of internet services. If you are facing problems with your connection, you can call your provider and inform them. Many ISPs offer 24/7 customer support, so you can contact them if you cannot access Instagram.
Stream Live Sports from South Africa
If you cannot access platforms like Netflix or Hulu, there is another way to watch your favorite shows and live sports from South Africa. An antenna can be used to receive channels from the satellite. You can also use a service like Sling TV to watch live TV from anywhere in the world. A subscription to Sling TV will allow you to access channels worldwide, including South Africa. The service costs $25 per month, but you can try it for a week for free if you want to see if it is better than what you already have.
Conclusion
The blackout in South Africa has fanned the debate about the potential consequences of staying online 24/7. While most people experienced little to no inconvenience, some had to remain offline for a day or two. With most people having access to the Internet, this should not be a concern for anyone. However, there are still benefits to staying offline. There are many advantages of staying offline, such as strengthening the bond with family and friends, improving concentration and focus, taking a break from all the stress and negative thoughts in our lives, and saving the environment from unnecessary energy consumption. If you want to stay offline, there are many ways that you can do so. Stay connected to your friends and family and turn off your wifi when not using it, use a VPN, contact your internet provider, and stream live sports from South Africa.
