The vote to end Net Neutrality happens December 14th, THIS THURSDAY! So on that note, last week I covered what and why net neutrality is vital for our nation. Especially for those who use the internet daily as it might be the only thing to gain others attention of what's happening to their culture, community, etc.

But, when exactly has the protection of net neutrality helped us you might be wondering? Let me fill you in, and hopefully, if aren't persuaded enough already, you'll see why we need to protect it no matter what the outcome is come December 14th.

1. ISPs (Internet Service Providers) can't slow internet connections

Thanks to net neutrality protection, ISPs can't slow down your internet and force you to pay more. Also, when an internet connection is slow people tend to get annoyed and stop going to that website. Which basically means, ISPs are not only going to try and make you pay more but block VITAL information from you.

So, thank you net neutrality for protecting our internet connection from money-hungry ISPs.

2. Personal Privacy

Most of us use private networks which help keep your location, and personal data secure. Without it, ordering online is about to become a dangerous game. And so is your browsing history since it'll be unprotected without net neutrality and have it sold to third-party advertisers. Like ads weren't already annoying us enough.

So, thank you net neutrality for protecting our privacy so people can't steal information at the online checkout cart.

3. No daily access fees for social media

Like everyone else, I love free access to websites. I use Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, etc. on the daily. Net neutrality prevents companies like Twitter and Snapchat from charging daily access fees to use their app(s). And many of us can't afford to pay a daily access fee for something that should be free.

So, thank you net neutrality from protecting app companies from charging us daily access fees to our social media accounts.

4. Telecomm companies can't play favorites

Along with charging more from high-speed internet, telecomm companies can also charge you to just access a certain website OR block it entirely, meaning you can't see it no matter what. This is my biggest problem with it.

Companies that might be more conservative could block you from seeing the news that doesn't pertain to their liking. Which means, we would no longer get every perspective of news, or any news at all. This is what I find detrimental to our society. Companies that control our news that we NEED and DESERVE to hear is dangerous.

So, thank you net neutrality for protecting telecomm's and ISP's form blocking or charging us extra for accessing news.

5. Helps small businesses

Those local businesses back at home that only post to social media? Yeah, they would be screwed because not only would they have to pay more but they wouldn't be able to reach out to their consumers and potential buyers.

So, thank you net neutrality for helping small businesses thrive with the free and open internet.

6. Use of Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, etc.

I know we all like HD and high-streaming videos when watching TV, movies or whatever over the internet. Websites like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon prime depends on fast connections. Not only would those companies pay more, but so would we. And it would be a lot more than $10.99 a month.

So, thank you net neutrality for providing us with high-quality streaming movies and TV and shows.

7. Helps job growth

More jobs than anything depend on internet use EVERYDAY. People working at Odyssey headquarters, for example, use the internet every day to reach out to us, contact members, etc. Online journalist, another example, depend MAJORLY on the internet to get their content out. So, yes this could potentially be disastrous to our economy.

So, thank you net neutrality for keeping jobs afloat, and for new openings/spots being created for more future employees.

8. Equal playing field

Companies like ComCast, AT&T and Verizon HATE net neutrality. All three actually found themselves in hot water a few years ago for charging customers more without their knowing. But, thanks to net neutrality, this has prevented them from screwing their customers.

So, thank you net neutrality for keeping an equal playing field with major companies.

9. FREE and OPEN

The internet is a free and open space, just like a sidewalk. It's for everyone's use and shouldn't be limited to the elite. Without a free and open internet, small business wouldn't be able to thrive or we wouldn't get ALL the information happening throughout our nation and especially our government.

Taking away net neutrality is a dangerous game not only for our nation but for others as well. Seeing our government take away our rights could potentially harm other countries in doing the same to their citizens.

So, thank you net neutrality for keeping our internet free and open, without you our nation might and could potentially become a different place.