The Chaotic Internet: Is it what we really are bargaining for?
Why do we have a tool so conducive to the power of free speech like the Internet, but we have such a hard time getting what we are entitled to?
Do we have the right to be protected from disturbing content? Do we have the right to make transactions online without giving out all our personal information and putting ourselves at risk? Do we have the right to access all the benefits of online content without being bombarded by advertising? Do we have the right to see what helps us and block what hurts us?
Yes we do.
Our knowledge is great and our power is potent. The voice of the people is what drives the Internet. Never before have extreme parties seen such a forum to promote their views. Many of these views are good for society. We are pushed and pulled all over while we try to make agreements in the middle. The Internet has promoted public discourse, freedom of speech, and an unbridled access to communication that has furthered our economy and development.
With great power comes great responsibility. Users of the Internet are finding it harder and harder to resolve their problems with harmful content and come to terms with the need to get online. Many web users live in fear, whether mild or otherwise, that they are being watched. The generation gap between the web 2.0 savvy generation and the rest is getting so wide, that there seems to be a disinterest in learning just how much the Internet effects us.
At Speak Up Project, we’re calling for a voice of the people to motivate those who have control to help us take charge of what’s ours. Those of us who spend our days on the Internet for work or pleasure know what we want. We know what is harming our families. We are calling people to action. We are asking for a voice to make sure that we can freely access information without the fear of what that information is.
