Can you remember the time before iphones, androids and blackberries? Not to mention ipads and when everybody could get internet on their phones? Most of you probably can, though could you seriously consider going back and living in that day and age?

Whether it is specifically Swedes or not who are used to having wireless internet almost everywhere can be discussed, but in Sweden in general you can quite easily access wifi (wireless internet); in cafes, libraries, shops, schools, trains and bus stations etc. Not all places are free but there is still the possibility to access the internet.

Then when going abroad or even just out into the countryside the exasperation at not having wireless internet can be enormous. “Why can’t I access the internet!!??” Well… Maybe internet plays a bigger role in Swedes lives than in some other countries… or maybe other countries have chosen to not invest the money in installing wifi?

In a lot of high schools in Sweden, students receive personal laptops for their school work. The schools also install wifi on the school premises, of course giving all students access to  the internet.

Considering the lifestyle of a Swedish high school student, growing up in the age and amidst of high speed developing digital technology, having access to Facebook, MSN, Skype and other internet sites almost 24 hours a day, even when at school, it might not be so hard to understand the feelings of exasperation, loss of security and identity when not having access to the internet.

Is this the case in Sweden only? Do you recognize this feeling of slight panic at not being able to access parts of your life without internet?