By the powers that be, us (United States citizens) are given freedom of speech. This allows us to criticize the government and not face any negative consequences against us. This protection under the first amendment has evolved into freedom to post on the internet. These posts can vary from YouTube videos, twitter posts, Instagram memes, blogs, and podcasts. We can now utilize our first amendment right and have millions of people hear what we have to say in seconds.
I believe everyone should be allowed to have a voice on the internet. I agree with this because allowing everyone to have a voice has led to positive impacts. Voices on the internet have helped with the “Me Too” movement. Having public voices allowed many women to finally be able to stand up for themselves. The use of social media allowed the movement to be broadcast to millions of people. Seeing women finally stand up for themselves publicly made others want to follow in their footsteps. The internet gave these women a voice that could be heard by millions of people.
About twenty years ago when only newspapers and television existed, those in charge would decide what information would be printed or how it would be angled. The public only had access to information that was given to them by major media outlets. The public eye could be swayed easily because there was only a limited supply of available information. Journalists and writers were the only ones who had a public voice. Twenty years ago, you needed to have a degree and a padded resume to have your opinion heard. Now, anyone with internet access can have their opinion heard by millions. The internet allows all opinions and voices to come together in a melting pot. Different opinions can be heard on various websites and platforms. Everyone having a voice on the internet allows for transparency. We now can see all parts of a story instead of what major media outlets want us to know. People can make a judgement themselves if the information given to them is credible or not.
On the other hand, the internet is a double-edged sword and everyone having a voice could be problematic at times. The internet gives a platform to racists, propagandists, and conspiracy theorists. With everyone having access to the internet, false information can spread quickly. This is shown in “How ‘Plandemic’ and other conspiracy theories spread”. In the video, Timothy Caulfield explains how a woman is claiming to be a scientist and is saying that the COVID 19 virus was manipulated and came from a lab. This “scientist” made her version of how the pandemic came to be, a complete and believable story. People began to believe her because her version was less complicated and certain, even though she is not a credible source. Everyone should have a voice on the internet, and it is our job as consumers of information to fact check before we believe what we are told. The internet can also create a free space for bullies. It allows people to hide behind a username on a screen and not be responsible for what they say online. Allowing our right to freedom of speech to easily turn into hate speech.
The internet has opened pandora’s box of public voices. It allows anyone with internet access to have a public opinion. Everyone should have a voice online and it is up to the consumer to fact check the validity of the statement.
