With the recent vote to repeal net neutrality, I became curious of its meaning and wondered why people were going crazy about it. As I did some brief Twitter research, I learned that the repeal would deregulate the online world, allowing the existing large network corporations to completely control and dominate the Internet and its platforms. Because there would be a monopoly of the Internet, these corporations would be able to charge users for using certain services including Google searches, Snapchat, Instagram, Netflix, YouTube, and Twitter.
I completely disagree with the three Republicans who voted for the repeal. The Internet has provided almost everyone with a plethora of information that can be accessed with a click of a button or a simple tap on a screen. Not only that, but it also serves as a medium for creativity and a platform for widespread entertainment. Furthermore, I believe net neutrality should continue for years to come because, like many of us, I've grown up immersed in the online world. It has become a central part of my life, and suddenly stripping away something that holds so much value to society is insane to me. As a young, dumb, and broke high school kid who can't afford to pay for network services, I am disappointed with the repeal.
Although it is a bad act, the repeal may result in some unexpected benefits to online platforms in regards to trolling. By charging users for using certain services, fewer trolls will be able to exist online because some trolls may be discouraged to pay for these services. Also, the revenue gained by these corporations can go towards better management of the online environment, including the prevention of cyberbullying and cyberharassment.
This is all just speculation, and I do not know everything about the situation, but I know that I love using Snapchat and my other social media apps. What do you think about the repeal of net neutrality? And how do you think it may be detrimental or beneficial to society and the online world?
-Javen Pacion
It seems like a lot of people don't understand the significance of this decision. When I was speaking to Mr. Drown (Computer Science teacher), he was letting us know the consequences that we would have to suffer in the future. He mentioned how internet speeds and services would be directly hit by this decision sometime in the future and how the district will not be willing to pay whatever charges these corporations will force on its consumers. As a result, all of the students involved computer courses in the following years will be affected.
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