Blog #3: Values of Free Expression

The Eight Values of Free Expression gives a good way to think about free speech. The one value that seemed crucial is the "Check on Governmental Power," also known as the "Watchdog Role."

This idea, explained by Vince Blasi, basically explains that having a free press is very important because it helps the normal population know when the people in charge are not doing something right, and it gives a chance to vote them out if needed. It is so the media and the people can combine and control our democracy to make sure that things can continue to stay in order.

This value means a lot to me personally because it lines up with the core principles of democracy and makes sure that the people in this nation are living the right way. 

In our everyday world, we see this value in action all the time. The media is a way to uncover government scandals, corruption, and other problems that go against people’s rights. Freedom of speech shines a light on political issues, human rights issues, and environmental problems.

Another important contribution that the media adds to society, is that it lets normal civilians share information with others to make sure that information stays relevant, and to make sure that the news is approved. This value also connects with a part of technology that is seen everywhere in today’s society, and that is social media.

Social media has changed how we get and share information. It has allowed people to be much more involved in the world than people were even twenty years ago. It has drastically changed the way that society acts. There have been some proven benefits, but there have also been some downsides when it comes to free expression in today’s social media.

The “Watchdog Rule” theory explains why there are problems associated with social media in today’s society and why it can be viewed as a negative tool. 

 

Because social media is so vast now, it lets anyone be a journalist. It is so accessible to spread news that a lot of the time, it’s not even a second thought when something is sent. Since this is the case, it shows why freedom of speech is a way to keep people in check in society.

As seen in the “Watchdog Rule,” there are negatives attached to social media. It is seen commonly to have fake news, which leads to the spread of untrue stories. This is why the theory is important. It explains that, unlike the regular media, people need to learn how to tell what's true from what is not and how to think critically to make sure social media does its job well of informing the public.

 

Overall, the "Check on Governmental Power" theory is still important, even in the age of social media. It shows that the people still have a role in making sure that those who are in power stay in check, preserving democracy, and making sure we're all informed citizens.

By connecting this theory with the challenges and opportunities of social media, a better handle can be had on how technology shapes our democracy and keeps our power in line.