With the expansion of internet access and the use of digital platforms, millions of Brazilians are finding opportunities for training, entrepreneurship, and integration into the digital market. According to the TIC Domicílios 2024 survey, 84% of the population is connected and 74% use the internet for professional or educational activities, highlighting how connectivity is increasingly becoming a bridge for economic and social development.
This progress, however, is not limited to income generation. It represents a concrete chance to address historical inequalities, expanding access to resources that were previously restricted to a portion of citizens. For such potential to be fully realized, it is necessary to invest in digital infrastructure, professional training, and technologies that involve the active participation of everyone in the connected economy.
How does digital inclusion create income opportunities?
The internet opened doors that previously seemed inaccessible. Working from anywhere, earning extra income as a freelancer, or even turning a hobby into a business has become a reality for many people. Those who need flexibility or face difficulties in the traditional market find a more democratic space in the digital one. Starting an online business has also become simpler and cheaper, as all you need is a cell phone and a good idea to get started. Social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram have become monetization platforms, while e-commerce continues to grow and create new horizons.
But having access to the internet is not enough; you need to know how to use it to your advantage. Digital learning platforms offer practical courses that help develop skills valued in the market, making it easier to change careers or seek an additional source of income. Furthermore, strategies such as affiliate marketing and referral programs allow anyone to make money by connecting consumers to products and services. With more knowledge and tools at your fingertips, the path to financial independence becomes increasingly accessible.
And edtechs have an essential role in this transformation. In addition to providing training, many establish partnerships with companies to bring professionals closer to real-world perspectives. Projects aimed at underserved communities ensure access to devices and connectivity, allowing more people to participate in the digital economy. In the end, digital inclusion is not just about technology — it's about giving everyone equal opportunities to grow, innovate, and achieve a better life.
Challenges and paths
There are still barriers on the way. Without adequate infrastructure, millions of people still lack access to quality internet, which limits work, learning, and growth. Data from the 2024 TIC Domicílios survey reveal that 29 million Brazilians still do not have internet access, highlighting the challenges of digital inclusion in the country. And even among those who use the network regularly, only 22% have "meaningful connectivity," which considers factors such as frequency of use, connection quality, access to appropriate devices, and digital skills.
In other words, the lack of training also prevents many from taking advantage of what technology has to offer. At the same time, the increase in virtual transactions brings new risks, such as financial scams, making digital security a priority. Without effective public policies, digital inequalities tend to deepen.
On the other hand, technological advances continue paving roads for us to travel. Artificial intelligence already enables people and companies to focus on more strategic tasks, while digital businesses are structured based on data and automation. Online education breaks down geographical barriers and expands access to knowledge, and new forms of monetization, such as the creative economy and NFTs, are paving the way for income generation.
E-commerce is one more that consolidates itself, democratizing digital entrepreneurship. Models like dropshipping and affiliate marketing facilitate entrepreneurs' entry into the market. Freelance work is growing, connecting professionals to opportunities anywhere in the world.
When connectivity, training, and security go hand in hand, digital ceases to be a privilege and becomes a driver of transformation. The future of the economy depends on everyone's active participation in this environment, and true financial empowerment is born when technology is put at the service of equity.
