We use the internet almost as much as we use our lungs. From having access to unlimited information to creating anything and sharing it with millions of people around the world, and to exercising our freedom of speech in making a difference, we are constantly inhaling and exhaling this fair playing ground of air with resonating voices around the world. While the idea of not having the internet might seem terrifying, there’s something way worse happening and it’s the loss of net neutrality.

Net neutrality has been buzzing around recently and it was to my surprise to learn that only a handful of students in my class knew what it was. To see that we’re constantly online as a generation, yet no one has a clue about the threat the internet is facing, was an insult. Net neutrality means internet providers like Comcast and Verizon shouldn’t control what we have access to online and we must protect that.

Why Is Net Neutrality At Risk?

Ajit Pai, the chairman of the federal communications commission launched plans to rollback net neutrality. The vote takes place, in a matter of days, on December 14, 2017. Without net neutrality, companies that provide internet services including Comcast and Verizon, will have the power to control what we see by blocking, throttling, and paid prioritization - which means a site will have to pay to be in a “fast lane” in order to be seen while everyone else remains in the “slow lane.”

Although Pai claims in his bio, "The FCC is at its best when it proceeds on the basis of consensus; good communications policy knows no partisan affiliation," his actions prove otherwise. One of his fellow commissioners, Mignon Clyburn, states, "We must stand up, speak out and work to ensure that the internet remains a platform for innovation and free expression in the decades to come."

How This Hurts All Of Us.

This hurts everyone whether you’re a small business owner, an activist standing for a cause, or someone just looking for funny cat videos. If the information is being controlled and funneled to the user, then this certainly opens the door for information to be hidden from us as well. Think about it. Without a neutral platform, the right to share our voices are at risk of corporate control.

There’s Still Time to Fight.

We are days away from voting and there is still time to put up a mean fight. Go to battleforthenet.com where you can find out how to contact your members of Congress and push them to protect this neutral space. They are promoting everyone to break the internet December 12, 2017, to stop the FCC. You can also help by texting "RESIST" to 50409.

Net neutrality is the sole reason we have the opportunity to take advantage of all the resources to start a thriving business, spark a discussion on fighting for what's right, and connecting in ways we could never have imagined. It allows us to make a difference no matter where we're from or how much money is in our pockets. Take the time to protect a place that is meant for everyone. After all, what does the internet mean to you?