Sema Fonkem 06/04/2024

Social media technology is a form of technology that allows individuals from diverse backgrounds to communicate by sharing content and ideas using text, photographs and videos via social media networks and communities on a large scale. Some examples of these social media networks include X (formerly known as twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and Reddit. We can also include podcasts where prominent figures come together to engage in conversations and share their opinions on current affairs. An example of a podcast is the PBD podcast hosted by Patrick Bet-David which is available on the popular video sharing platform, YouTube. As a content creator and consumer of information shared through social media networks, I am of the stance that social media technology enormously provides a medium for freedom of expression to not only myself but for all those who make use of social media positively or negatively. Before I proceed to give you more reasons for my position, I will be defining what freedom of expression means within the law as described by constitution of South Africa to give you clarity.

According to section 16 of the constitutional law of South Africa, freedom of expression of includes freedom of the press and other media, the freedom to receive or impart information and ideas, the freedom of artistic creativity, the freedom to education and scientific research. Subsection (1) articulates the broad guarantee to the freedom of expression. The broad guarantee simply means that according to subsection (1), the listed forms of freedom of expression are legally bind by the constitutional law. However, there are limitations to the freedom of expression according to subsection (2) of the constitutional law which does include the promotion of war, incitement of imminent violence, advocacy of hatred based on gender, ethnicity, race, religion, or any sort of incitement that may cause harm as activities that are not acceptable as freedom of expression by the law. The right to freedom of expression can only be constitutional if is protected by section 16(1) and unconstitutional if it is included in the terms under 16(2) (Milo & Stein:  2013, pp. 1-3). Now that we understand what freedom of expression legally means, I will proceed in my next paragraph to discuss how social media technology provides freedom expression to all the stake holders.

Social media technology brings  freedom of speech to society in this era when everyone is looking for a spot to take part in social conversations. This technology provides a perfect medium for just anyone who wants to voice their thoughts to the public. Below is a list of stake holders and how they benefit from the freedom of expression provided by social media. 

1. Content creators

These are the individuals who create content that is shared on social media communities. These content creators can be divided into two categories.

a. The good guys

These are individuals who use social media to share content that is useful in the advancement of our society. This type of content is usually made up of positive information such educative material, health advise or even music to entertain users who are part of the social media communities.

b. The bad guys

These are individuals who share harmful content on social media platforms. This type of content is meant to drive society to commit acts of violence, terrorism or violation of human rights in general. An example of this type of content is fight videos, child pornography and racial discrimination videos where the faces of victims are not protected.

2. Social media company owners

These group of individuals are the people who own or invest in social media technology. They own social media companies or networks that are used for the sharing of content. Unlike the days when only few people could own traditional radio, television or print media outlets, now-a-days just anyone with enough finance can create or become part of the ownership social of media planforms and capitalise on the opportunity that more and more people are seeking a place where they can voice out their thoughts. An example is Elon Musk who bought over Twitter and made it a platform where people can freely express themselves without the fear of being banned. We have seen the likes of popular journalist, Tucker Carlson who was fired from Fox News move to X to continue to exercise his rights to freedom of expression. 

3. Government and media organisation regulators

Even though some people may think that the government and media organisations or regulators are trying to control what people do online on social media platforms, I do not share the same sentiment. This is so because even the government and organisations are simply exercising their rights to freedom of expression by using these platforms to communicate to the general public on what they think is right and wrong. For regulators to advise or provide guidelines on how the public should use social media is not in any way a means of control but an act of creating a safe internet space for society. 

4. The audience

These are people who consume content on social media networks. They can also practice freedom of expression by giving feedback through the comments section on social media platforms. For example, if the president of a country makes an announcement on his X social media account citizens who are the main target audience can express their thoughts on whatever information he is sharing with them by replying under his posts. People can also retweet information they come across on X and this is just one great way that X uses to promote freedom of expression amongst its users. 

Benefits of freedom expression  to society through social media

1. Economic

The cost of licensing rights of social media is not  the same as that of traditional radio and television. It is easier and cheaper to own a social media account or platform of  your own where you can share content. Content creators can easily monetise their content and get paid through subscription fees, advertiser fees or donations made by the audience who admire their work. Without easy access to social media platforms that provide freedom of expression for just anyone, this will not be  possible. It is almost like a free ride where anyone who is creative enough can hop in. 

2. Politics and Government

Because of freedom of expression provided by social media, governments and political organisations can now reach people easily and pass on their messages to a larger population without the need of large crowd gatherings to pass on every information.

3. Reduced Protests

Majority of people can now use social media to voice out their grievances. This has reduced the number of violent protests that usually occur during physical gatherings.

4. Reduced discrimination

People with diverse and controversial ideas can now be heard through the availability of freedom expression available online. Marginalised communities can now also help make changes in our society. 

5. Self confidence

Due to freedom of expression available on social media, many individuals who lacked confidence to speak in public places can now participate in socio-political and economic discussions by coming online to contribute their ideas without the fear of being cut off. 

6. Reduced criminality

Freedom of expression on social media plays a huge role helping law enforcement to locate and apprehend criminals who use social media for the wrong reasons. People are also able to come on social media and report crimes that happen in their communities by sharing videos and providing the police and law enforcement with helpful information on where perpetrators can be found. 

Social media technology is one of  best things that has ever happened in transforming our method of communication. Through social media, information can reach more and more people across the globe in time. Everyone can say it like they think it from wherever they are without the fear of persecution from a government that practices dictatorship. We do not have a hierarchy that controls the type of information that is shared on social media unlike the days of traditional radio, television or print media when editors could decide what journalists should say and a radio program manager could determine what type of music should be played to the public. With social media technology, people can share information however they want it and whenever they deem it necessary. Government and corporate organisations cannot influence information shared on social media. The platforms are big enough for everyone to reach their target audience. We can now appreciate the true value of freedom of expression.