Net Neutrality & Teens
- 3 paragraphs, 5 sentences each
- 1 picture
- 3 sources
Net neutrality is basically the principle of an open internet, in which all data is treated equally, being sent and being received, concerning what you have access to and the speed it is accessed (actual internet connection issues based on location or other variables aside). The thing is, though, that having net neutrality in place means that ISPs (Internet Service Providers) cannot take in more revenue by charging users for access to certain sites or faster speeds whilst using them. Of course, this leaves them upset. Recently, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) have started to ease away from net neutrality, with certain policies being put in place and such, but it's not a complete change. Although, this doesn't mean it isn't possible to do so, and every teen should be aware of what would happen if there was.
Say, net neutrality wasn't in place anymore due to some FCC regulation and you're really bored today. So, you hop on the computer, search up on Netflix and...waiting. ¨That's strange,¨ you'd think, ¨This never happened before...¨ Suddenly, a window pops up on the screen trying to convince you to pay for Comcast's new ¨fast lane¨ internet service. ¨Well, my internet is pretty slow...¨ So, you go ahead and pay for the ¨fast lane,¨ hoping it'd help you out. ¨Hey,¨ you'd think, ¨This internet connection is exactly the same as it was before the FCC's new regulations!¨
Huh, it makes it seem as if ISPs are using their control over your internet in order to make a quick buck... If net neutrality is left behind, then that means companies limiting your connection and access to certain sites based on either how much you pay them or how much that particular site's owner pays them. They believe that since it takes too much money to have giant piles of information piling in from huge streaming sites like Netflix, we should pay for it, even considering that people are paying for internet in the first place! And I know y'all teenagers love your Netflix, so this is serious business. This is a matter of the freedom of the internet and how you experience it, so it's important for all teens who regularly use the internet to truly understand the idea of net neutrality and what's up with it.
Sources:
1) https://www.aclu.org/net-neutrality
2) http://www.savetheinternet.com/net-neutrality
3) http://www.theopeninter.net/
Net Neutrality is important for teens to know about because they need to be aware of what’s going on in the community. It teaches them why its important. Without it people wouldn't be able to go on certain sites. Certain websites you would have to pay cash for. That's ridiculous that people would have to do that. Teenagers should be aware of these type of things.
The term Net Neutrality means that all data we use on the internet is treated equally. Right now, everyone on the internet has access to anything they want and any amount of it they want; all for one flat fee a month. ISPs (internet service providers) give everyone the same quality of internet, and the data that goes through the ISP is strictly the user’s choice- besides ISPs only being able to slow down illegal content . Net Neutrality gives everyone a right to equal data, and it ensures an Open Internet. Currently, this means that the people own the internet and no one else.
The issue being debated right now is whether the people still get their Net Neutrality or not. Big ISPs have started to make a stink over the last year, saying that Net Neutrality wasn’t thought up by a legal standpoint; so they turned the case over to the FCC (Federal Communications Committee). What has gone on from there is this: big companies want to make the internet censored and controlled by making everyone pay for ‘special’ services and charging for data use instead of flat fees. The proposal that was come up with is basically that, and is very dangerous because it would let the ISPs take control of the peoples’ internet so that there can be lots and lots of money sucked out of it. If this happened, the internet would be slow for all who didn’t pay ridiculous prices, and many people wouldn’t even be able to access or say what they want online- it would all be up to the big companies.
The current issue with Net Neutrality is important for teens to know about because we are growing up in a generation where internet is essential. If we do not have proper access to it, then information and our rights is being taken away. The internet has to be a place for expression, learning, and communication so that We the People can take charge and not money-guzzling companies looking to censor and add expense to our lives. The internet was created to be run as an open place, and it was a safe-haven for all who needed their voices to be heard or access to information. Net Neutrality is important for us teens because without it, we will only be looking into a world of big companies manipulating what we see.