Speech Theories

Individual Self-Fulfillment. When thinking about freedom of expression, my mind automatically suggests that I'm allowed to say whatever I want without the government getting in the way of it. After learning about the Eight Values of Free Expression, I began to think about this on a more personal level. The theory of Individual Self-Fulfillment stood out to me the most because it is more personal than political, which I am interested in. It gives leeway for people to express their emotions in a different type of way. A way where they can connect with one another with personality and creativity just by being themselves. Every day I scroll through hundreds of opinions. These opinions are expressed through social media; whether they are intelligent, misleading, or hilarious, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, which connects us in an inspiring way. 

Social Media is my main example I will be using today. Apps like Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok, Etc

Freedom of Speech 

All allow us to express our emotions and our freedom of speech. Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, there is always a wall between your voice and the screen. I'd like to explain this differently. You know when you're driving in the deepest parts of New York or New Jersey, and you get the raging drivers that are screaming at you through their car window. They are screaming at you because there is a window/wall dividing you and them, so you are not standing face to face with that person. The chances of that person acting that same way when there is no window separating you two are very low. This is how I think of people expressing their opinion online. This may allow those types of people to be able to build community and feel comfortable expressing themselves. 

Being able to express yourself through social media may help people find exactly who they are when they are growing up, and I think that is so important

First Amendment Written 

in today's society. For example, finding new interests like music or drawing and sharing videos online about it can help someone find their true passion. This leads me to believe that freedom of expression is not only whether the government allows us to speak, but more so if people feel like they can actually use that freedom. The First Amendment protects our ability to express ourselves, but social pressure can still influence whether we choose to speak or not, which is why I find social media platforms so important for this generation. 

In a world where so much of our communication happens online, I think this value of free expression is more important than ever. The ability to express ourselves allows us not only to be heard by others, but to better understand ourselves.