Understanding that social media is both a voice and a powerful tool, it’s where many people express their deepest thoughts, beliefs, frustrations, and values. Social media gives everyone the right to share their opinion as much as they see it fit. That's the peak of freedom of speech. But this question often takes a front sit when asked; Should someone be punished—fired from their job or expelled from school—for what they post online, even if it’s just their opinion?
Freedom of speech is a basic human right. Where everyone has the liberty to share their opinions, especially if they’re not attacking, harming, or threatening anyone.
A very clear example here is when a Nigerian corps member once used TikTok to speak out about the delayed NYSC allowance. Her video went viral and sparked conversation nationwide. Even though the ₦77,000 payment was already approved, many believe her voice helped push the authorities to act faster. This shows how social media can be used as a tool for accountability and positive change when used responsibly.
She exercised her freedom of speech in a respectful way that didn’t harm anyone. In fact, her boldness helped many others, especially NYSC members and graduates by drawing attention to an important issue. This is a strong example of how social media can be used as a tool for both personal liberty and collective progress.
So now the question is, If a student respectfully criticizes a school policy or an employee shares a personal belief, should that be enough reason to be punished?
We’ve seen so many cases where people are “called out” or even punished just for sharing their honest opinion. Some lose jobs, while others are told to stay silent. Students especially go through this; a lot of them are shut down by school authorities after speaking up. They’re treated like children who don’t have a voice, rather than human beings with rights and ideas. But freedom of speech doesn’t start at age 30. Young people deserve to be heard too especially when they’re speaking up for truth and change.
Now one would ask why people are punished for speaking their truth, then what happens to freedom of expression?
Because looking at the history between freedom of speech and social media they go hand in hand when exposing injustice, educating the masses, and holding those in power accountable. Movements like #EndSARS, #MeToo, and #BlackLivesMatter all gained momentum through people speaking out on platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram. If those voices were silenced, real change would have never happened.
Though it's very important to note that freedom of speech is not a license to harm, bully, threaten or cause damage to others through your opinion or speed on social media. Some people use “freedom” as an excuse to post indecent or harmful things. For example:
An employee who posts sexist, racist, or offensive content, saying “it’s just a joke”
Or
A student who bullies others online in the name of “speaking their mind”
As much as we're free to speak our minds on social media, express beliefs and rights, that doesn't give anyone the license to promote violence, hate, or misinformation as in the name of “freedom of speech.”
We all should take responsibility for our speech and opinions on social media.
In cases like these, institutions, whether schools or workplaces have a responsibility to protect their values, environment, and community. If your actions online hurt others, destroy trust, or go directly against policies you agreed to follow, then yes, consequences can follow.
The goal isn’t to control people or take away their freedom to express themselves. It’s about maintaining standards and protecting others from harm. Of course, an institution has the right to say things like: “You represent our brand, and your public posts matter,” or “This behavior does not reflect what we stand for.”
If you agreed to those policies from the start, and your actions go far beyond them, then the institution also has a right to respond.
Now how to balance this up…
• If your post expresses an honest opinion without hate or harm, you should be safe.
• But if your post spreads harm, hate, or indecency all in the name of “freedom,” you might face consequences.
• Freedom comes with responsibility, no one should abuse that.
In the end, institutions should not abuse their power, and individuals should not misuse their freedom. We need balance, not extremes. Everyone should have a voice—but we must also be accountable for how we use it.