Understanding the internet: you are not entitled to your neighbor’s Wi-Fi

In a show of hands, who among us has not hopped on to an open network when desperate for an internet fix?

Generally, the response if unsuccessful is “oh, bummer, these jerks locked their wireless.” Meet Jennifer. Jennifer, at first glance, seems to think that everyone in the world can get access to the internet through what she believes is called a “Linksys.” After a bit of prodding, Jennifer admits that she knows she’s stealing internet habitually, but purchasing her own DSL is price prohibitive. (As an aside, I don’t agree with the “internet as groceries” analogy. I would say signal theft is more akin to standing on your neighbor’s porch every day and reading by their porch light.)

This video has clocked nearly half a million views since it was posted Saturday, and it does raise some important points about secure transfer of data and your internet habits. While Jennifer’s attitude is irritating in its entitlement and basic lack of understanding of how ISPs work, her general stupidity is also a reminder to use open access points sparingly and carefully. That said, while I’d be happy to securely share a signal, I wouldn’t want Jennifer using my wireless because she sounds like a bit of a spoiled douche.