This post is a response to the question [What are some feasible alternatives to totally censoring misinformed or offensive content on the internet?] (@corndog2k2/week-03-questions-online-censorship) posed by @corndog2k2.
I think that censorship does have some benefits, but it does also have some flaws that may restrict content creators. I think that it is helpful in the sense that not everyone is being subjected to things that may be inappropriate, such as violence and bullying etc. However, I think that some alternative methods to do such could be programs/apps that you can personalize the censorship and content you are viewing. I think this could be more helpful and fair because the main issue with censorship is that the freedom of speech is being cut into, but I think this personal choice and setting could help keep this freedom while also allowing everyone to view what they deem to be appropriate for them. However, one of the issues I foresee from this alternative method is children/teenagers. I think that this would enable them to bypass any form of censorship and therefore view tons of content that is not appropriate for someone underage and could lead to many issues in their future with things like mental health and social behaviors. I think that this problem sort of encourages that a sort of parental control be included in this customized option of choosing what content you view in order to prevent underage kids see things that could very easily influence and impact their lives. I do feel that this definition of content that I refer to is mostly in regards to things such as: violence, substances, bullying/harassment sexual content etc. I think that for most other things there really shouldn't be such a restriction on, so long as it would be appropriate and fair for people of all ages to view and encounter. I think that is the biggest issue I have with lowering censorship is the possibility for young kids/teenagers to become exposed to things that they can be influenced heavily by and that can mess up their whole life.