Freedom of Speech

“Free speech is the whole thing, the whole ball game. Free speech is life itself.” – Salman Rushdie

Free Speech can be found in many places.

Before talking about free speech, people must understand what free speech is. So that raises the question, what is free speech? Free speech is the right to express opinions and ideas without inference, retaliation, or punishment from the government. Now that a basic understanding has been established on the topic, readers who are unsure of the basic idea will not be so lost. Free speech can be found nearly anywhere, whether reading a newspaper, scrolling on social media, or simply speaking to a friend. Today, social media is one of the most visible and powerful platforms where free speech thrives. With billions of people using platforms like Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook, it’s easier than ever to share opinions, stories, and art with the world. According to the Pew Research Center, 95% of teens have access to a smartphone, and 67% say they use TikTok, making social media a central part of their daily lives. These platforms have become digital town squares, places where ideas are born, debated, and challenged.

And it’s not just adults who are participating; children and teenagers are more active than ever, especially because social media is so apparent in the average teenage life. They’re posting thoughts, writing poetry, advocating for causes, and discussing mental health and identity in ways that generations before them couldn’t. This digital expression offers more than just visibility; it brings a kind of mental freedom. Studies from the American Psychological Association show that when young people feel heard and seen online, they experience higher levels of self-esteem and emotional resilience.

Of course, social media isn’t without its flaws. Algorithms can amplify harmful content, and misinformation spreads fast. But even so, the fact that young voices are emerging so boldly is a powerful sign of what freedom of speech can do. We are witnessing a generation unafraid to speak up, organize, and advocate, all because they have the tools and the freedom to do so.

But what would the world look like if you weren’t able to express your thoughts without being retaliated against or punished by the government?

Imagine a world where you couldn’t speak your mind on issues that matter, where expressing disagreement could land you in trouble, or worse, silence you altogether. If free speech were stripped away, society would suffer. Creativity would wither, protests would vanish, and discussions would turn into echo chambers of fear. Adults who rely on open forums to question policies, demand rights, or share their lived experiences would be stifled. Children and teenagers, still forming their identities, would grow up under a cloud of self-censorship and doubt. Entire societies would lose their ability to think critically and evolve. History has shown us what happens in places without this freedom, from Stalin’s USSR to North Korea today. The results are always the same: fear, conformity, and stagnation.

Should the Government have the right to control/influence media companies?

This brings us to a critical question: Should the government have the right to control or influence media companies?

Some argue that government oversight can help combat misinformation, hate speech, and online harm. And yes, there are clear cases where regulation is needed, especially to protect minors or stop the spread of harmful lies. But too much control is a slippery slope. According to a 2023 report by Freedom House, Internet freedom has declined globally for the 13th consecutive year, and much of this is due to governments restricting what people can say online. In places like China, state control over social platforms has led to the erasure of dissent, censorship of global news, and manipulation of public opinion.

Meanwhile, in countries where free expression is still protected, such as the U.S., robust debate and accountability thrive, even if messy at times. A 2021 Gallup-Knight Foundation study found that 81% of Americans say that the ability to freely express their opinions is critical to democracy, even if they don’t agree with the content.

In my opinion, government influence over media companies should be limited to transparency requirements, algorithmic accountability, and the enforcement of laws that already exist, such as those dealing with harassment or fraud. But the line should be clearly drawn at content control. Once governments begin to decide what is acceptable speech, we lose the very freedom that allows society to grow, evolve, and even correct itself.

Free speech is more than a legal right; it’s a cultural cornerstone. And in today’s digital world, it’s more vital than ever that we protect it for the next generation.