Title: Why Freedom of Speech Matters – InsideSources
Headings: Why Freedom of Speech Matters
A unity rally in France following the attack on Charlie Hebdo
Why Freedom of Speech Matters
About the Author
Britt Christensen, Ph.D.

Content: along the lines that obviously freedom of expression is important because, well, because it is. This begs the question, why is freedom of expression important? Moreover, are there data supporting the theoretical benefits of free speech? Setting aside the nuanced and complex arguments of freedom of expression in our increasingly interconnected societies (which are indeed complex), I focus here on what we know about impacts of free speech and why it is important. There is evidence that freedom of expression protections are positively related to increased economic growth, democracy levels, sociopolitical stability, and nonviolent methods of conflict compared to violent methods. Political communication researchers have long deemed a free and developed media system as democratically essential. In a democratic society, informed and engaged individuals weigh-in on societal affairs, making a free press instrumental. By and large, educating the public on matters of social and political concern falls to the media. Freedom of expression contributes to the “ marketplace of ideas ,” a concept popularized by John Stuart Mill. Ideally, allowing individuals to voice diverse and even controversial ideas and opinions leads to desirable and vetted sociopolitical solutions.