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The internet should be a right for everyone

by Penelope Banks

Internet access is something that is either easy or difficult to get for many people. Personally, I believe that internet access should be a right for everyone.

First of all, there are plenty of humans all over the world who deserve the same opportunities as those around them. Not providing people with this advantage is like putting them multiple steps behind. Those who are not as privileged may have the same goals and abilities as those who are.

I have had multiple friends in the past that have had to come over to my house just so they could complete their work due to not having the same advantages as me. Though many schools offer time for you to complete your work at their libraries and throughout class, many are not even able to make it for those specific library hours. Many people may also not have the transportation to a nearby library and would still have to worry about school work on the weekends.

 I completely understand those who may not agree with this statement due to how it may affect our economy, but look at it from a different perspective. What if you were a young student who wanted nothing more than do well in school and continue on to college, but you couldn’t do so because you are not in an environment in which you have access to the internet?

Now more than ever, in our socially distanced society, it is clear that action needs to be taken. Internet providers need to work with schools and families around the country to make this happen. If not, we will continue to see disadvantaged communities fall behind their well-to-do peers.

The internet is not a necessity 

by K Penuel

The internet, the thing that dates back farther than you may have originally assumed; in this day and age it is used as a means to connect to the world around you. Whether it be for social or academic purposes, it has been noted as a tool. However, saying that it is a necessity is absurd.

A human right consists things needed for survival. Saying that it is needed for life is factitious. While yes, the world is modernizing and more things are moving to the internet, such as school work, there are still ways around it if the internet is not accessible.

Students who cannot afford to have internet or electronics are still able to socialize in real time, make friends and are not debilitated by their lack of virtual socialization. Also, there are typically computers provided by schools to the lesser fortunate.

Moreover, people in jobs don’t need the internet either. They can gather information on their own from their employers and write it down. Not everything should revolve around the internet, but it is understandable how things are changing and how the world is starting to incorporate the internet and digital applications for work and school, as well as other things like socializing and entertainment.

Those who had or have no access to the internet do lose out on some privileges, like YouTube or social platforms like Twitter, or even video games on a downloadable app called Steam where you can buy games. It is sadly a consequence to society making technology an almost social standard that not everyone can reach.

Some families or individuals cannot afford things most can, and it is a sad reality not many people classified by the social class system as “middle class” will ever realize unless they come in contact with someone less fortunate than them. But, more and more, we see programs to help these families and help bridge the gap.