Is this the end of the internet as we all know it? Maybe. Maybe Not. Today, the FCC voted 3-2 to repeal Net Neutrality rules. Before this, we could browse the internet openly and freely. Now, internet providers such as Comcast and Verizon have the right to charge us for using Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, Google, Amazon, and so many more apps that we enjoy.
This could be a disaster for smaller businesses as much bigger businesses will most likely not influence their work. We don’t know when this will go into full effect and many people have lots of questions that have not been answered. Will I have to pay for apps if I have already downloaded them? Will my internet bill increase to where I cannot afford it and my child cannot do online schooling? What does this mean for the future of social media? Isn’t this a form of taking away free speech? We can only wait to hear what these answers may consist of.
Now that the internet providers have the ability to pretty much do everything, will they choose to do what is right? Depending on the background of the internet companies, they now have the right to take down porn sites and block the black market that has us held hostage. Will they do this or will they charge us for the things we can’t afford making them wealthier than they are right now?
Upon discussing this matter, a friend told me that as a social media management major, I should hate what is happening because it could destroy the future of social media, leaving me jobless. Before he told me that, I want to say that I was 65% leaning towards the repeal of net neutrality. Now, I don’t know because I want to be able to have free access to what my friends and family are doing in another state.
Honestly, I have no clue where I stand with net neutrality. I am seeing the good and the bad that could possibly happen. What if you had the option of having a safe and clean browsing environment? Free of lurking pedophiles and porn and online stalkers. I see it as keeping our children safe from viewing these things. Sure, they may cost us a bit, but does this mean that this lazy generation that we have been called will get out of the house and work a job to be able to pay for internet and apps? That is how I am viewing net neutrality.
Then again, these internet providers could reduce the educational resources and increase the popular demand of sex. Think about it. What is selling across the world today? SEX. People are more likely to pay more money for sex than they are for educational resources. I know this for a fact because not too long ago, I did a research project about today's society and men. That is what scares me the most. As a Christian, I can only hope and pray that the internet providers will use their new super-power for good.