User blog comment:Brandon Rhea/Battle for the Net: Internet Slowdown/@comment-25385951-20140910220013/@comment-4759352-20140910221007

I assume it's metephorical and symbolic, just like the loading icons, which are only for show. However, said loading icon will make it look as if the sites are being slowed down. While it actually won't slow it down (from what I can tell). it'll serve as a reminder. Just like guy fawkes masks, or the guy fawkes burning in england on the 5th of november. Or 9/11 in america (except thats more a symbolic fear tactic, but still).