#internet usage

I do not have help on the internet. I am able to use the internet independently, and I have been since I was a little kid. Does that mean I wouldn’t benefit from help on the internet? No, I would greatly benefit from someone helping me write my blog posts and chat online. However, I don’t have that. And it’s a privilege for me.

I am extremely privileged to be able to express myself in a way that makes sense to people and be able to do it independently. Using the internet is sooo hard, and I struggle with it everyday, but it is so worth it. The community I’ve joined, the people I’ve met, the things I’ve done. It’s amazing.

If you’re able to use the internet independently then go you! But it’s a privilege to do so! So many of my higher support needs friends can’t use it fully independent, and I see that. I see them. I hear them.

People don’t understand that the majority of higher support needs people can’t use the internet. There is a small percentage of us who can, and even though we can, we often have lower support needs than the people who can’t.

Preparing for if the Restrict Act Passes

(and general tips on withdrawing your internet presence and usage)

• download important/sensitive data onto thumb drives.

• download videos that provide important resources on certain subjects (lists of information, recipes, guides. an example would be a video on tips for ethical consumption).

• burn cds of certain songs, audiobooks, and various audio media that could be at risk of being banned.

• print out online written media, such as books, pamphlets, articles, even fanfiction.

• stock up on memory cards, batteries, and tapes for digital cameras and camcorders (if you don’t have one but want one for cheap, check your local thrift!).

• look into changing payment methods, if possible — my work allows me to choose between remote deposit and check payments. i’ll be switching over to check payments soon. i will be using Apple Pay less.

• boot alexa out the door. google home, ring cameras, etc. i might even replace my phone-controlled lightbulbs, honestly.

• unplug all devices that can access the internet when they are not being used — gaming systems, desktops, tvs.

• online friends may need to part ways to a degree. no platform will be inaccessible through the permissions this bill allows.

• check out the local DSA chapter, community clubs, or unions. mutual aid will be vital. look for community within the immediate area.

• take advantage of all libraries have to offer, from printing services and books to computers and programs.

• delete old, unused accounts.

• re-evaluate all online current services, apps, subscriptions, and sites.

• if the bill passes, all past internet activity may likely be accessible as well. just something to keep in mind regarding usage currently.

some of these things are likely overly alarmist, but a lot of them everyone should do regardless of if this bill passes. those of us with more radical beliefs will have to be cautionary no matter what. i’ve been wanting to put my internet presence and usage in check for a while now, and these are the steps i’ll likely be taking in the near future to protect my personal information and privacy. i don’t care if the chances of anything happening are slim, it’s better to be safe than sorry. not enough people are realizing this bill could block access to anything the us gov decides is a threat not only to national security, but also to Meta. this means discord, tumblr, twitch, reddit, anything.

A survey finds that the vast majority of adults (90%) say the internet has been essential or important to them during the pandemic. Many made video calls to stay connected with loved ones and 40% used technology in new ways. But while technology was a lifeline for some, others faced struggles such as "Zoom fatigue" and worries about paying the bill for at home internet connection.

I just got a notification saying I'd used up half of my monthly data allowance and freaked out because my data literally just clocked over, but the message was from 10 minutes before it clocked over to this month.

HaloFollower does a really good job on explaining reason why we should keep net neutrality. If you want more info on it, here’s the video.