With Elon Musk buying Twitter, many conversations have sparked about whether or not one believes social media should have violations or not. There are many pros and cons to the chances of social media becoming a complete free speech terrain. However, this is hard to grasp, due to the fact that people have not yet dealt with a social media website, or app, that has been free to completely open speech. 

When one thinks of free speech, they think of the freedom to say anything, although this is not true. There are in fact violations of the First Amendment, one example being true threats. On social media, if someone states a threat such as, “I am going to physically hurt you,” it will violate guidelines, regardless if the website is private or open to free speech. However, many believe that there should be more guidelines on social media. 

Within the technological world, there are many amazing turnouts on every website. Although, there are definitely hurtful and dark issues on the internet. For example, cyberbullying is a big issue on social media. Cyberbullying is not only personal between two or more people, but it can also be a social media influencer or celebrity who may be getting numerous hate comments from people around the world. Technically, within the First Amendment, hurtful and rude comments are allowed. In turn, these comments will not be deleted. 

A pro to a free speech social media enterprise is inclusive membership for many. Anyone can use the app, and anyone can enjoy it. However, this can bite one in the butt. With everyone being able to use the app, it allows  people to spread more hate. This double-edged sword makes it  very hard for one to pick a side. Within politics, both the left and the right sides believe that their side was cut short by Twitter’s guidelines and moderators. Free speech will allow many to speak their minds, opinions, as well as facts. 

Each side is upset with the thought of the other side getting their free speech, which is the most worrisome part. 

The most infamous account ban on Twitter was former president Donald Trump. Some people fear that Trump will return to social media and spread false information and or hate speech. On the contrary, many of Trump’s supporters are glad that he may have the opportunity to be unbanned. With younger generations getting more and more accessible to phones and other technologies, the worries of an impressionable audience increase. Whenever a younger, impressionable child sees someone spreading hate speech, they might believe that what they are seeing is fine to do and or say. On top of that, they may believe the misinformation that may be spread. 

Impressionable audiences do not only include children, many on social media are “white sheep” or just do many things because others do them as well. People will hate on others because of a trend or due to public opinion. 

Hate on social media is more of an issue than people realize. On top of that, the double-edged sword of being able to say whatever one wants is too risky for the benefit of society. People need to be careful with what they post or read on the internet, with no violations; it can truly do more bad than good. Social media needs to be a safe space for everyone.