If you pay attention to the news or have a Twitter account, it's likely you've at least heard of net neutrality. If that's true, you should know that recent articles have reported that the rules created under the Obama administration in 2015 that make internet access equal for all users are being debated. If the law is repealed, certain internet features, such as Twitter, Instagram and even the website you're currently on most likely won't be free or have the good quality and connection you're used to.
As a millennial and college student, I think I speak for most people my age when I say that even though I have a strong love for social media and am not sure what I would do with my time if I didn't have access to it, I wouldn't be willing to pay $9.99 a month for it. Especially since Netflix just increased its prices (tragic). Paying for a service that has supplied free entertainment for as long as I can remember simply isn't attractive to me.
And it's not just entertainment that could be lost if net neutrality were to be repealed – access to news sites such as the New York Times could also come with a price tag. As a journalism student, I have a problem with this.
Everyone has the right to know what's going on in their hometown, their country, and the world, and this information should be equally accessible. Without net neutrality, it's possible that people who can't afford to pay wouldn't be able to stay as informed as those who can. Essential information isn't something that should be for sale.
Fellow millennials: We are the generation that grew up with the internet. We eat, sleep and breathe it. And if net neutrality were to no longer exist, we would be the group most affected.
It's our responsibility to be knowledgeable, form a position, and spread awareness. Take advantage of the internet and read up on the subject as much you can. Be aware of this privilege we all have. Have conversations with your friends about it. There are many easy ways to make your voice heard, and you deserve to be heard – you also deserve good internet access.
