I believe freedom of speech is something everyone deserves. And I also think the part in the Bible that says there is power in the tongue is one of the truest parts.
Social media, I believe, was thought up with one of the purposes being giving people a platform where they can enjoy the easy means of using their rights to freedom of speech.
But it isn't a new thing how humans seem to find a way to gradually change the whole purpose of something.
Let's say for an instant, I run a children's day care home. And I have a worker. Then one day I just decided, maybe by coincidence or not, to check his digital footprint. And I end up finding maybe comments or posts that suggest he hates kids. Even though that may not be what he implied, or he just said it because he felt like he could. Now, in this case, what would you expect me to do? Should I fire him from the job immediately? Or should I rather say “it's his opinion or ideas, and he has the right,” then I overlook it?
No, I wouldn't do either of those. Rather I would look further into it before making any decisions.
In the scenario mentioned above, the opinion or the idea of the worker had potential effects not only on his job but also on the daycare.
One being, the Internet is open and it can damage the business.
Two, is that most times opinions or ideas shared online speak much about the speaker than we realize.
And three, if he had said whatever he did to me in whatever scenario, or I found out before I hired him, then he wouldn't even have the job.
Now, if it were something not connected to my business, maybe an argument or anything. I wouldn't even think about it twice because it is none of my business and affects his job in no way.
As long as it isn't warranted for then a person shouldn't be dismissed from either school or a job because of the person's opinions.
Now, imagine this: a young university student posts a critical take on a government policy. It's thoughtful, non-violent, and not directed at any individual. Within 48 hours, the post gains traction. People praise clarity and boldness. But soon, his school suspended him because his views didn't align with their values.
Although fictional, this happens in reality. Just like that, a tweet ruins one's future.
Social media is here to stay and we should all accept it. Some people don't understand that just as freedom of speech exists, so do the consequences. But this doesn't mean that going to extreme lengths, such as dismissal because of a harmless opinion, is any right. That kind of situation should rather be handled with reflection before reaction or forceful control.
Social media should be a place of dialogue, not destruction. We must protect both expression and accountability, but never at the cost of fairness and growth.