The Digital Soapbox: Speech in the Social Media Era

The Digital Soapbox: Speech in the Social Media Era

Social media has transformed the way we communicate, enabling voices across the world to connect and express their perspectives. But as platforms have grown, so have concerns over what content is permissible, and who decides the boundaries.

For many, free speech is a cornerstone of democracy and essential to a thriving, open society. Others worry that unrestricted expression on such platforms can lead to misinformation, harm, and division. As social media companies attempt to moderate content, debate arises over whether they are protecting public interest or curbing free expression.

In this conversation, we’ll explore questions like:

• Where do we draw the line between free speech and harmful speech?
• Should private companies have the power to limit speech, and if so, to what extent?
• What responsibility do platforms have to their users and society?
  Who takes responsibility? AI?
  How?
• Do you think social media companies should have to adhere to journalism standards?
• Does the government have any right or responsibility to intervene and possibly regulate?

Together, we’ll discuss the balance between preserving free speech and promoting responsible dialogue, aiming to understand and appreciate the different perspectives that make this issue so challenging.