9 Reasons We Should Be Thankful For Net Neutrality Protection
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

9 Reasons We Should Be Thankful For Net Neutrality Protection

What's better than free access to apps? Net neutrality protection.

62
9 Reasons We Should Be Thankful For Net Neutrality Protection
Phoebe Shorter (@pheebeegee) via twitter

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.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58519
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37712
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959301
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

194031
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments