The Global Gap Between Smartphones And Sanitation
A Surprising Global Comparison: Across the world, more people own a cell phone than have access to a safe, private toilet. Mobile phone use has grown rapidly over the past two decades, reaching billions of users in both wealthy and developing nations. At the same time, basic sanitation has lagged behind, especially in rural and low-income areas. This contrast highlights how technology can spread faster than essential infrastructure. While phones are relatively cheap, portable, and supported by private companies, toilets require land, water systems, and long-term public investment. The result is a global imbalance that affects daily life for millions.