Net Neutrality and CMC

Despite the fact that John Oliver is a first and foremost a satirist and comedian, he addresses the issue of net neutrality very well. Just as a little background information, net neutrality describes the past and current state of how data on the Internet is treated: Internet services and data should be treated equally and not be discriminated against differently based on users, content, sites, platforms, methods of communication, etc. One issue is that Internet providers such as Comcast and Verizon are pushing for a two tiered system for Internet speeds: one “slower” speed for the general public, and another “faster” speed for those that are willing to pay extra. Thus the controversy is about how the Internet, that was previously an equal playing field for everyone, would then be structured to benefit those that are able to pay more money.

But how does this connect to computer mediated communication? Well, it has everything to do with computer mediated communication: the internet is known for its openness and the potential equal ability for everyone to provide opinions and thoughts. As we’ve gone over in class, this coincides with the advantages to computer mediated communication: the structure of an open forum for discussion, or transcending the barrier of time/distance, or the ability to collaborate with anyone, anytime, 24/7. But if this is removed, then it goes against everything the Internet stands for. The developments of the past have accumulated into what we currently have today, and it will only continue to advance further, but if something such as removing the open Internet or getting rid of net neutrality, then it rids us of the possibility of new advancements in technology and in computer mediated communication functions.

By getting rid of net neutrality and open Internet, it results in a dissonance between those in the two tiered system. No longer is it an equal playing field, as stated by John Oliver: those that wish to compete against grounded corporations would not be able to do so because of the higher speeds they would not be able to compete against. This would disenfranchise people from the equal opportunities presented through the Internet and if expanded further could cut into communications between people. Having a difference creates a chasm between two groups and will construct a barrier between them, making communication between them often problematic and in some rare cases, impossible.

This video itself is a representation of what the capabilities of users and benefits of the Internet. In the call to action towards the end of the video, Oliver addresses the masses to lodge complaints against the FCC about their stance on net neutrality, and the amazing thing? It worked; they managed to crash the FCC’s servers due to a large amount of traffic to their site. This alone demonstrates the impact of computer mediated communication that we discussed in class: computer mediated communication is concerned with human communication through and about the Internet and the impact of computers and digital technologies. This specific “channel/medium” was used in order to alter something in the real world and have an actual effect on others. This example of Internet activism is just the tip of the large influence of the open Internet and communication through technology.

This only addresses a few of the multitude of issues about the Internet and communication. On one hand it connects people from all walks of life and allows for a more integrated world through the ease of communication; on the other, there will always be issues that persist and controversies about technology and its impact. Nonetheless, the countless effects that are associated with computer mediated communication, both for better or for worse is something that will continue to be discussed and worked upon.


Article: http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/future_tense/2014/06/john_oliver_s_net_neutrality_segment_speaks_the_truth.html