With just a click of a button from our cell phones, laptops, or iPads, access to the internet is right at our fingertips. We expect to connect to any website we want and be in control of our experiences. So i guess you can say the buzz word, Net Neutrality, and the idea that our privileges may be jeoparized is quite frightening. In fact, for some of us, it may even be our biggest nightmare.
Living in an increasingly technology dependent environment, this is probably the worst news we could hear. Each and every day we devote way too much of our time searching and gaining access to anything and everything imaginable. No limitations whatsoever. We are given the privilege to surf and communicate freely. Therefore, it is understandable why people are so concerned with the potential implement of regulations with regard to the Web.
To those of you who do not know what Net Neutrality is; it is a simple principle that allows all data to be created and distributed equally. The ISP provides us with open networks and allows us to have access to any site we wish to explore.There should be no interference with the content we view or post online.
However, word has it that the issues surrounding Net Neutrality is finally booming and grabbing the media's attention. Without the Net Neutrality rules in play, big companies with higher authority such as AT&T, Verizon, and Comcast will determine which websites, content, and services succeed in the future.
What if we could no longer gain full access to political content? What if we had to pay money to open certain websites and gain information? What would happen to people of color and their reliance on the internet to cast their voices about systematic discrimination? Or LGBTQ communities that use the internet and various websites for similar purposes? What if you have a Hulu account and now have to pay extra to stream movies because your provider does not support it without the extra free?
This is definitely not some issue we can just ignore. Because technology is so essential to our everyday lives, these changes would affect you and everyone around you. Maybe for the better, or for worse. But it is up to YOU to make the change you wish to see.
Perhaps the loss of Net Neutrality will ultimately drive you away from the internet and allow you to become more self sufficient. Or maybe you will become more inclined to act out and fight for our net neutrality. Whatever it may be, the choice is yours.
