Title: Head-To-Head: Should there be limits on freedom of speech? | University Observer
Headings: Head-To-Head: Should there be limits on freedom of speech?
Head-To-Head: Should there be limits on freedom of speech?
Content: We are all entitled to do and say as we please so long as we are not invading the freedom of others in doing so. Not so extreme, right? How can you defend unbridled freedom of expression when it is clear that this practice breaches the rights of others?The internet is a case study in total free speech gone wrong. The incredible platform we have been given, an opportunity for rousing productive debate and discussion, has been abused. Claims that totally free speech is the answer to debate, discussion and change need look no further than the comments under any article. Intended to be an extension of the conversation an article began, instead this section is often a hate filled mess. In response, multiple media outlets have removed their comment sections altogether. “Death threats, bomb threats and relentless online abuse that leads some to suicide are wildly hard to defend in the name of free speech.” Like many of the sites, Vice cited the spew of “racist, misogynistic maelstroms where the loudest, most offensive, and stupidest opinions get pushed to the top” as their reason for opting out. Moreover, the Guardian recently reported that, on looking at their own comments section, there is a major correlation between how many blocked comments an article has and the sexuality, gender or religion of the journalist.