PM Says

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Our internet access, use of technology, and mobile devices play an integral role in what information we consume. The better access we have determines the availability of content. Our geographic location is also a key factor, particularly with premium services. Areas more heavily populated are likely to have better fiber optics, more cell phone towers, and internet connectivity.

Net neutrality was initially created in order that internet providers ensure a free and open network that would treat all web traffic equally. It is also the requirement that internet providers do not give preferential treatment to certain content.  In a survey conducted by Gallup and Knight in 2020, they found that a vast majority of Americans were concerned about the spread of misinformation, online hate speech, interference with the US election, as well as the size and power of large technology companies.

Companies like Comcast, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, control the wireless networks and fiber optics that we depend on for media access. In recent years, these companies have been trying to integrate vertically by acquiring media production and content companies to lock in viewers and users. Since Verizon sold AOL and Yahoo and AT&T sold Warner Media, only Comcast, owner of NBCUniversal, holds its top position as a commanding media giant.

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In an interview with CNBC, Bill Gates suggested that the government might need to regulate the tech sector more frequently. He also added that it might be necessary for lawmakers to become more involved in how those companies deal with essential issues like privacy and cyberbullying. This is particularly concerning with Google and Facebook, since they are the most influential. They manage to keep engagement high through surveillance techniques from billions of users around the globe which means they can monitor content and address malicious content instantaneously.

Algorithms also play a huge role in how we access information. They use data about the user’s online engagement, patterns, preferences, and behaviors to distribute personalized content. They are mainly designed to reinforce our existing views by inundating us with content that coincides with our interests. They can also be optimized and manipulated to promote misinformation, which can be dangerous to a younger audience. With that being said, these algorithms can manipulate content to a company’s advantage. Since media access is at our fingertips via mobile devices, we could be fed endless advertisements in between content.

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Today, we are more dependent on mobile devices and have the ability to access news 24 hours per day, which causes the constant consumption of media and desire to be more socially aware. As a result, consumers may click on a post to get brief snippets as opposed to a full online article. Without affordable high-speed internet, we would be left in the dark and disconnected from society. I couldn’t fathom not being able to access my favorite shows or catch up on current events as a result of corporate giants having such huge control. This would certainly cause turmoil, social inequality, and economic divide.

In conclusion, media conglomerates could slow down access and charge higher fees for higher transmission speeds under net neutrality. These giants have vowed not to cripple smaller outlets by blocking their online traffic. In the end, the internet is still the leading destination for media consumption, data, video streaming, and information. There are antitrust laws in place to protect these conglomerates from what users post, but that does not mean we should be subjected to content controlled by the powers that be.