Position
We have found free speech to have a deep importance in our lives. This paper alone is about and contains free speech. Having the privilege to get a deeper understanding on this topic opened our eyes to see how people use and abuse free speech. Some individuals do not understand how lucky they are to have free speech, for some countries do not have the privileges we do. We deeply appreciate the people that use the internet for educational reasons. Overall we see freedom of speech as not being perfect, but all the upsides it comes with makes having freedom of speech worth it.
Summary
The Internet has become a major venue of communication, a powerful tool that reaches millions of people around the world at speeds that were previously unheard of. Communicating online enables individuals to express their freedom of speech to a worldwide audience with just a few taps on their keyboards. As people interact online, they enjoy far greater freedom in expressing themselves, as well as the protection of anonymity that the Internet provides. But threats lurk in the shadows of the online world, with hackers, trackers and the ease which embarrassing information can be spread requiring caution of all of us.
It may seem that censoring the digital world would be impossible, but that doesn't stop governments and corporations from trying. Between mandated filters, far-reaching legislation and even shutting down the IT infrastructure, instances and attempts at censorship are very much still a possibility in the wireless realm. But not all of it is bad; some measures of regulation provide structure in what could be an entirely amorphous environment. Rules set within websites can help curb harassment and other harmful behaviors, and legislation exists to protect how we access the online world.
The Internet is vast; a user can easily sites and groups that appeal to their interests or beliefs if they but look, as well as find plenty of information and people to help shape their opinions and ideas. Exposure to new ideas can broaden a users horizons, and there is no shortage of ideas in the digital realm. However, one must be wary of false or biased material; at first glance, misinformation can be hard to pick out from factual material. Rumors and fake news can also spread like wildfire online, muddling the search for truth as more and more users pass them on as genuine.
It may seem that censoring the digital world would be impossible, but that doesn't stop governments and corporations from trying. Between mandated filters, far-reaching legislation and even shutting down the IT infrastructure, instances and attempts at censorship are very much still a possibility in the wireless realm. But not all of it is bad; some measures of regulation provide structure in what could be an entirely amorphous environment. Rules set within websites can help curb harassment and other harmful behaviors, and legislation exists to protect how we access the online world.
The Internet is vast; a user can easily sites and groups that appeal to their interests or beliefs if they but look, as well as find plenty of information and people to help shape their opinions and ideas. Exposure to new ideas can broaden a users horizons, and there is no shortage of ideas in the digital realm. However, one must be wary of false or biased material; at first glance, misinformation can be hard to pick out from factual material. Rumors and fake news can also spread like wildfire online, muddling the search for truth as more and more users pass them on as genuine.