Most who say they understand the net neutrality issue say they support it, according to a new study of net neutrality perceptions from research firm GfK.
According to the study, about half (55%) of all U.S. consumers report that they understand the issue of net neutrality – regardless of whether they are following the neutrality debate closely. Among those who say they do understand net neutrality, 72% favor it – 8 points higher than the figure (64%) among those who feel they do not understand the issue.
Net Neutrality Perceptions
The survey also discovered that men are much more likely than women – 61% versus 48% — to say that they understand neutrality; and they are twice as likely (34% versus 17%) to be following neutrality developments in the news and elsewhere. But among those who say they understand neutrality, more women favor it than men (77% versus 68%).
From a political perspective, eight in ten (82%) Democrats who understand net neutrality are in favor of it, as well as 70% of independents and those in other parties. A majority (56%) of Republicans who say they understand the issue also expressed support for maintaining net neutrality.
There was a distinct difference between age groups about the issue. The study found that two-thirds (66%) of 15- to 24-year-olds – whom GfK has dubbed the Now Generation – report understanding net neutrality; that stands out from the older groups – 20 percentage points higher than the 65-plus group, and also above the more established millennials segment (25 to 34 years old), which came in at 57%.
“This suggests that education about even the basics of the issue may be the best weapon for those who would seek to reverse the FCC action,” said Tom Neri, GfK EVP and head of technology and financial services industries accounts, in a prepared statement. “We also see the 15-to-24 age group setting itself apart once again, recording the highest level of neutrality understanding of any generation measured. Clearly, younger consumers know that a lot is at stake for them in this debate.”
Image courtesy of flickr user ITU Pictures.
This looks like a push poll.
Everyone is for Net Neutrality, but Title II isn't synonymous with Net Neutrality. Many who understand the history of data discrimination think a light approach is the most effective way to ensure Net Neutrality along with an unhampered internet.
I have not been able to research the issue as well as I would like…. Since the repeal the internet as we know it just doesn't work any longer!!
I understand Net Neutrality very well. What I don't understand from this article is what people were asked. Were they asked "Are you in favor of net neutrality". I'm in favor of net neutrality, but I am not in favor of unnecessary regulations. We had net neutrality before the 2015 regulations, and we will have it now that those regulations are repealed. Understanding net neutrality isn't just about understanding what it is, it's about understanding the regulatory environment and whether there is a need for regulations to ensure that the Internet remains net neutral. Most people who have an opinion on the issue, even if they know what net neutrality is, are reacting to "sky is falling" hype from those who wanted to keep the regulations in place, so they do not really understand the issue. This is especially true for the 15-to-24 age group referenced in the article, since they tend to consume liberal media and talking points, and then repeat what they hear without researching things on their own. Here's an article I wrote on the issue: http://www.zcorum.com/the-future-of-net-neutralit…