At a time when both locally and internationally, the hearths of public controversy are multiplying daily, the role of social media is becoming more and more central and the dialogue around freedom of speech more relevant than ever.
On the one hand, the ability to express oneself freely is certainly a cornerstone and a prerequisite for democracy. On the other hand, the rhetoric of hatred that is spreading at a pace of a… pandemic within the social media and dangerously polarizing entire societies, is claiming its space, invoking none other than the same freedom of speech.
A few days ago, a decision of the US Supreme Court acquitted 18-year-old Brandi Levy, considering that her punishment from her school in 2014 for offensive comments on Snapchat violated her right to freedom of expression. The decision is considered an important milestone, but the debate continues, it is serious and its scope reaches the whole planet.
And as the central issues on the global agenda become increasingly divisive, the role of social media will become increasingly important, and education in its proper and safe, but at the same time effective use will become an inescapable necessity.
