Social Media and Free Speech: A Featured Controversy from Issues & Controversies

Featured in Issues & Controversies:
Social Media and Free Speech: Should Social Media Companies Do More to Combat Disinformation and Extremism on Their Platforms?

Should social media companies do more to combat disinformation and extremism on their platforms? Be sure to check out Issues & Controversies’ complete and unbiased coverage of this divisive issue. Here is a sample of the pro/con arguments on both sides of the issue.

SUPPORTERS ARGUE
Disinformation and extremism online can subvert the democratic process and lead to real-world tragedy. Too often, social media companies have chosen profit over responsibility. It is not a violation of free speech for private companies to moderate content.

OPPONENTS ARGUE
Social media companies should prioritize freedom of expression over censorship. The best way to combat bad speech is through better speech. Pushing platforms to more aggressively vet content will lead to bias and suppression in the Internet’s most important forums.

The pro/con article links to rich related resources that enhance the debate. Students and researchers can explore the “By the Numbers” data, primary sources that provide context, key court cases, debate videos, NPR podcasts, editorials, a Reuters® newsfeed, a chronology, and a bibliography and further resources. Plus, discussion questions are provided to inspire critical thinking and analysis.

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Issues & Controversies is a multimedia solution that helps students understand contemporary issues, assess different perspectives, distinguish fact from opinion, reach their own conclusions, and build critical thinking and writing skills. It features balanced pro/con articles and primary sources for current events, civics instruction, and class discussion.