Hate Speech In Social Media Essay

Due to the rise of social media and networks, the issue of free speech has become more quarrelsome overtime. Social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram are progressively turning into podiums of controversy, animosity, and dissonance rather than accomplishing their original intent; to serve as an escape from reality and provide social interactions amongst people. As Guttman stated, social networks are foregoing a “rapidly evolving debate on new [about] the boundaries of free speech…[in order to] ‘build best practices for understanding, reporting upon and responding to internet hate” (Guttman). However, these very companies have been under criticism. Criticism that is commonly directed to the government, along with other
Provided that hate speech is described as any form of offensive speech that targets an individual or group based on their identity, then it is possible that most of the trending articles are a definite example of hate speech. However, restraining every occurrence of hate speech is impossible. It would mean placing every user in a safe bubble and impede the diversification of opinions. That type of safe space, or a “place to recuperate” is so prominent when it comes to political correctness (Shulevits). If certain speech offers factual evidence, then no website or any social media platforms should be able to impose any restrictions. Presenting the general public with an abundance of information, so long as there is factual backing, prevents the ignorance and the narrow-mindedness that continually consumes the current culture. Generally speaking, the dismal reality is that the numerous amount of social media users abuses the protected aspect of hate speech and utilize it as a scapegoat to express their views while offending others. Fortunately, not all of hate speech is acceptable under the rule of