Question

Covid-19, without a doubt, has exposed the many inequalities and inefficiencies which exist in the United States. One of those being access to high speed internet. With nearly all educational institutions moving to remote/ distance learning and many individuals working from home, the question becomes:

1. Should internet be treated as a public utility? Explain.
2. What are the pros and cons?

Please cite all sources used to support your response.

Answer 1

Yes. The internet should be treated as public utility. It basically means those services that are essential to the public such as gas, water, electricity, etc. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic happening all around the world. The world has shifted to virtual connections. As people are not allowed to go outside and work or do any of the stuff they want to do, they have to sit indoors and do the same work and the only way it is possible is through internet. So access to high speed internet in today's world is an utmost necessity.

We hear that every coin has two sides. Same goes with the internet, it has pros and cons too.

PROS.

Real time communication has been possible because of of internet. And with the shift from office to work from home it is the most necessary thing for one to operate and work.

The internet allows everyone to access information like never before. Anything you want to know is available on the internet about possibly all the activities of the world.

Digital payments have only been possible through the internet.

It is much easier to connect with someone who is far away from you while sitting in any part of the world.

Cons.

The personal privacy has decreased. With the involvement of internet the personal privacy has reduced as whatever you do on internet is accessible and can be easily identified.

Providing high speed internet can make people addicted to using internet which might turn into a big problem in the coming years.

There will be too much dependence on the internet. Everything you want or need can be easily accessible through the net and this reduces the creativity and productivity of people. High dependence on technology is not correct.

The number of cyber crimes have also increased and will increase more once everything is through the internet as the transparency will be increased and the stakes of getting involved in a internet fraud will get high.

NOTE: I HOPE YOU WILL BE SATISFIED WITH MY ANSWER PLEASE DO PROVIDE RATING. THANK YOU AND HAVE A NICE DAY. :))