Point vs. Counterpoint

PCP: Pro

Note: This article is hosted here for archival purposes only. It does not necessarily represent the values of the Iron Warrior or Waterloo Engineering Society in the present day.

Let’s clear one thing up now. Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook, and their partners are not involved with internet.org purely out of the goodness of their hearts. As with almost everything, the motivation behind the partnership is some part altruistic and some part self-interest; how much of each is up to you to decide for yourself. However, regardless of their motives, internet.org is doing much good in the world. Very few would argue that the intention of bringing internet access to the many in the world without it is a bad thing.

There is definitely a concern that internet.org violates net neutrality by restricting access to parts of the internet and providing preference to Facebook over other sites. However, is having access to only Facebook better or worse than not having access to any internet at all? I would argue that restricted internet access is better than no internet access, and simply having access to a social media site would allow you to learn so much more about the world and other cultures, and would massively expand people’s horizons, just as the internet is meant to.

The Industrial Revolution which occurred 200-250 years ago was possibly the single greatest change the world had seen prior to the dawn of the digital era. As a result of the transition to new, more efficient manufacturing processes and technology, the amount of economic growth, population, and quality of life for everyone reached levels never seen before in history. Again, few would argue that the Industrial Revolution did not positively impact the world, and is largely responsible for the world that we live in today. Yet, the Revolution was far from perfect. Cities experienced massive overpopulation and large slums with appalling living conditions developed. Child labour was commonplace, as was racism and discrimination. Non-European countries were heavily exploited by the industrial powers of Europe. Income inequality was very significant, as much of the wealth went into the hands of the capitalists and factory owners, and as a result, not everyone partook in the benefit of the revolution to the same level.

However, the important thing is that the revolution happened. Many of the problems that the revolution brought on were fixed in the following decades. Modern things that we take for granted, such as unemployment insurance, pension, publicly funded education, progressive taxation, and social welfare developed in the years following the Industrial Revolution to combat the problems that came with it. While many countries in Asia and Africa were heavily exploited and oppressed under the demands of the European powers, their development was dramatically sped up. New and more efficient manufacturing, agricultural processes, and technology were introduced to improve their lives. The problems the Industrial Revolution brought about were tackled and largely fixed, while the benefits the revolution brought about remained and is largely responsible for the lives we lead to this day.

In a similar way, the digital era has massively improved the lives of those who have been touched by it; yet, so many in the world have not had the opportunity to experience the wonders of the internet. The internet.org website states that two-thirds of the world does not have access to the internet. While they may have ulterior motives for trying to bring internet access to those without it, I doubt they are lying about this statistic. Net neutrality is a major issue, and the violation of net neutrality should be avoided as it results in an internet that is not fair and equal to everyone. However, as it currently, stands, the internet is not fair and equal to even the majority of people, as so many in the world do not even have access to it. Before we can really tackle the issue of net neutrality for good, we must ensure that everyone in the world has access to the internet first. If people disagree with internet.org’s motivations and practices, and I am sure there are many, then there should be new organizations founded dedicated to bringing internet access to those without while respecting net neutrality. Internet.org still does a lot of good for the world despite its flaws. We cannot just take it down and cancel its mission without ensuring that we have a better alternative in place to continue the job.

We in Canada have easy access to the internet by virtue of living in a developed, industrialized country. We are very fortunate to have the opportunities and blessings we do, and it is important not to take them for granted. The majority of people in the world right now do not have easy internet access. They have never experienced the infinite possibility and connectivity to the rest of the world that the internet brings. The fact that the internet is not available to everyone in the world is in itself a travesty and as much effort and resources as possible should be devoted to this task. Internet.org is but one organization working toward fulfilling this goal, and while it is not a perfect solution, the important thing is to provide everyone with internet access first, and then figure out how to ensure they have a fair experience and can use the internet to its maximum potential.

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