An inquiry into the justification and limitations of free speech on social media

Abstract

Violence attributed to online hate speech has increased worldwide. A mounting number of attacks on immigrants and other minorities has raised new concerns about the connection between inflammatory speech online and violent acts, as well as the role of corporations in policing speech.(9) Are there some technical aspects of the social media websites we use to partake in discourse that influence the content we post? Users’ experiences online are mediated by algorithms designed to maximize their engagement, which often inadvertently promote extreme content (9). This paper is solely focused on exactly what it is about social media platforms like Twitter that enables hate speech. One may believe that their thoughts are their own making through experience however, there is much more beyond one’s experience and knowledge that defines their opinions. I look into filter bubbles and echo chambers and explain the role that social media and it’s algorithms play on our thinking.