Blog 7: The Value of Expression

Social Media is the Gateway to Free Expression

Photo above found here

In my first EOTO, I discussed the emergence of Instagram, how it was used in day to day activities, and the influence it allows me to have on other lives. I feel that for the younger generations social media, especially Instagram, is often their only source of political news. For that reason, the Value of Free Expression that is most important to me is the idea of Participation in Self-Government. It is becoming more and more uncommon for people in the younger age ranges to watch the news or stay informed on political issues at their own convenience.

Social media can often bridge the gap between political leaders and the younger generations. Average citizens are able to generate content, post it in the form of an Instagram story or post, and have it shared to millions of users on Instagram. Instead of going out of their way to sit in front of a TV and flip to a particular news channel, they are able to stay up to date with political issues from scrolling through their Instagram feed, something that isn't abnormal for their daily activities. Freedom of speech comes from the ability to share whatever you want, whenever you want from the convenience of your cell phone.

The downside to using Instagram as your form of receiving or putting out political news is the possibility of an echo-chamber. By seeing one post, you may not get the whole story behind something. If you are only seeing that one version of the story, you will believe it to be your truth. Unfortantely that can happen no matter where you get your news from though. CNN and Fox News broadcast the same issues in often very different lights, pushing the viewers to believe one half of the story and not the other. For me, I think social media is a great way for people, especially the younger generation of voters, to educate themselves and involve themself in knowledgable political discussions.

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