Openness
Why Openness?
Why is the open internet important? The internet being “open” allows for users of a computer, cellular device, etc. to freely collaborate and share their ideas with others connected to the internet anywhere, anytime. Think about this, how many times have you ever searched “How to…” or “Why is…” on Google? Assumably, plenty of times. Well, you can thank the open internet for having the ability to provide you with plenty of resources to aid you in answering said question. The most common example of this is “How-To” videos on YouTube. Thus, the open internet allows absolutely anyone to have access to the internet, without having their results influenced by select companies.
How Openness?
How is the internet open? The internet’s “openness” allows for several different results to immediately become accessible whenever a user is, “surfing the web”. Websites such as Reddit, Wikipedia, etc. and YouTube video tutorials are examples of this. However, openness is a spectrum. This spectrum allows for certain resources found on the web to be different degrees of “open”. Meaning, that resources may have an open-source software, but has certain requirements for it’s usage. You can find more information about the openness spectrum on the Internet Policy Review website.
Accessibility
Why Accessibility?
Why is internet accessibility important? As previously discussed, “openness” refers to ANYONE being able to make use of the internet. Accessibility helps make sure that those with disabilities and unreliable internet connection refrain from getting lost in that definition – thus, the internet is truly available to everyone. Additionally, accessibility is a legal standard for the large majority of the internet. This is shown through tools such as closed captioning, color contrasting, correct heading structure, alternative text, etc.
How Accessibility?
How is the internet accessible? Internet accessibility is made possible through many concepts – most notably is the “Curb-cut Effect”. This effect refers to features that are created for individuals with disabilities, however, these same tools actually benefit outside communities as well. Using one of the previous examples of closed-captioning on videos, this feature was originally built as an aide for individuals with hearing impairments. However, this tool is beneficial for a much larger audience. For example, individuals with learning disabilities, those learning English as a second language, viewers listening in a noisy environment, etc. You can find more on accessibility and the “Curb-cut Effect” on the Interaction Design Foundation website.
