Cancelling, Counter-speech and Censorship

Reconciling free speech in a Brave New Social Media World

Abstract

 Since the post-2016 period, the role of social media as a public utility and a platform for expression has drawn increased attention, debate, and - for some - ultimately concern. This has become especially true regarding its role in both facilitating and yet also restricting expression in online communities. While social media has been oft turned towards as a vehicle for social action, this paper raises simultaneous concerns still developing regarding its use for doing so. Ultimately, social media, while a viable tool for social change, also presents distinct and developing concerns for our civil liberties particullarly in an age dominated by online algorithms, private regulation of expression, and an increasingly virulent era of 'cancel culture'.