Is "Save the Internet" (net neutrality) an issue that could get more young people to vote?

[pnwmom]

Should we be pushing that issue more everywhere?

And how can we rebrand it for those who depend on the internet but don't know what net neutrality means?

https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2018/08/04/trump-administration-supreme-court-net-neutrality/

The Trump Administration is now taking even stronger measures to eradicate net neutrality protections in the United States.

Despite a major repeal of net neutrality protections by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) this year, the Trump Administration is now taking additional steps. Just this week, the U.S. Department of Justice demanded that the Supreme Court invalidate a 2016 lower court ruling that affirmed net neutrality protections.

“This Court should grant the petitions for writs of certiorari, vacate the court of appeals’ judgment, and remand with instructions to dismiss the petitions for review as moot,” the demand states (full document here).

That lower court ruling belongs to the D.C. Court of Appeals, which ruled that broadband services from mega-corporations like Verizon, AT&T, and Comcast could properly be restricted under then-active net neutrality provisions. In its decision, the court relied on findings from the FCC itself, then under the Obama Administration.

If the Supreme Court complies with the Trump Administration demand, the stamped-out ruling would make it far easier for ISPs to invalidate legal challenges against the FCC and its net neutrality repeal.

And those challenges are great. Almost immediately after FCC chairman Ajit Pai forcefully ripped down net neutrality provisions, two US states — Oregon and Washington — approved laws protecting net neutrality. Additionally, California and New York are threatening to pass extremely protective laws of their own in the coming months, creating a regulatory nightmare for mega-ISPs.

SNIP

[NurseJackie]

1. Interesting question. But...

Is Net Neutrality an issue that could get more young people to vote?

Interesting question. But, based on what I've seen already, I'll keep my expectations very low, for obvious reasons.

[randr]

2. I would certainly hope so

There is not one issue that does not have dire consequences for not only millennials, but for all Americans.
If I had my way we would be like Australia and fine people who chose not to vote.

[Dem2]

3. Seems to be

It sure gets a lot of play on Reddit, which trends younger

[OilemFirchen]

4. No.

Way too complicated to figure out what's in it for them.

Only way to attract them is to call it "Free Internet", then deal with the caterwauling later.

[pnwmom]

6. You're really saying yes. I asked about rebranding -- and calling it Free Internet

is a good suggestion.

If we campaigned on the idea that the GOP is committed to taking away Free Internet, would more young people get out and vote?

[OilemFirchen]

7. It would work.

But it really is disingenuous, don't you think?

[pnwmom]

8. How about "Save the Internet"? Because the internet as we know it is under siege. n/t

[OilemFirchen]

9. I doubt it.

You'd likely have to explain what you mean, then you're in the weeds again.

[nycbos]

5. No.

I'm a millennial hating millennial. People my age make decisions based on what meme Bernie shares on Facebook. Understanding policy is beyond the reach of most of my age group.

[Awsi Dooger]

10. Doubtful

I never see that among the issues most important to millennials.

They like to hear about climate change and income inequality and health care and discrimination and depression. Stuff like that.

[Lee-Lee]

11. Well there is risk involved- because it all depends on how it's impacted them

I’m already seeing right wing sources share memes about how since net neutrality went away internet speed in the US had increased and none of the predictions of people having to pay extra for each service like data or texting or streaming have come true- so they are saying everyone who opposed it was crying wolf.

If we make an issue of this and they say “look, net neutrality went away 2 years ago, today your internet is faster and cheaper than ever and none of the bad things these folks are saying happened” what will be your counter argument to keep that a winning issue?

If your typical millennial hasn’t noticed his or her internet access do anything but get cheaper and/or faster how will this be an issue that wins?

And sadly I do think the left holds some blame for that, because it was sold to people that all these bad things would happen as soon as net neutrality went away, with people sharing pictures of how you would have to pay separate fees to have email and streaming and texting and voice and others saying that they would cut off your Netflix or Hulu if you didn’t pay extra. And since none of that has happened it’s a hit to our credibility on the issue.

That’s the risk of overstated dangers when debating an issue. If you lose and none of what you predicted comes to pass it’s hard to get your credibility back.