Lately, I see many people are suddenly obsessed with freedom of speech. It’s as if we’ve all become overnight experts, eager to defend this sacred right. But let’s get real - most people don’t even understand what freedom of speech actually means, where it came from, and how it works in today’s world of social media manipulation. So, before you jump on the bandwagon, ask yourself: Do you really know what you’re defending?

A Brief History Lesson (That Everyone Seems to Forget)

The concept of free speech didn’t spring out of nowhere. It has a long, twisted history that most of us ignore. Ancient Greece may have given us the idea of parrhesia , or speaking openly, but only for a select few. Women? Slaves? Forget it. Free speech was a privilege, not a right. Even the likes of Socrates and Plato weren’t really fighting for freedom - they just wanted to debate and criticize. Jump forward to the Roman Empire, and you have libertas , the precursor to what we now call “liberalism.” But again, it came with a catch: express yourself, but don’t disturb the social order.

And Europe? Medieval Europe was a black hole for free speech, and it wasn’t until the Renaissance that people even began to entertain the idea again. Then, during the Enlightenment, intellectuals like Voltaire passionately advocated for freedom of speech - but only for the elite. The masses toiling in the fields? They were out of luck.

The Big Revolution—But Was It?

Finally, America came along, with its glorious Constitution enshrining free speech as a fundamental right. The French Revolution followed, making it a pillar of their new society too. But let’s not romanticize this. The Americans didn’t protect the speech of everyone - just the speech that suited them. Fast forward to 1948, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights finally proclaimed freedom of speech a global right. Article 19 grants us the right to hold opinions and express them without interference. But - and this is where people always miss the point - there are limits. Article 19 explicitly mentions restrictions in the name of protecting others, national security, and public order.

So why, in 2024, do people think free speech means they can say _ anything_ without consequences?

Free Speech vs. Free Reach

Here’s the ugly truth no one wants to admit: Freedom of speech does not mean freedom of reach. Social media platforms - yes, I’m looking at you, Elon Musk - have blurred the lines between these two ideas, and it’s destroying the fabric of society. Elon claims to be a “free speech absolutist,” but let’s be honest: he’s not protecting your right to say what you want; he’s protecting his right to make more money off the chaos. Should someone have the freedom to spread lies about his dead child or circulate cruel, baseless rumors just because they can pay to boost their content on Twitter? Is that really the world we want to live in?

The Real Agenda: It’s Not About Free Speech

Let’s cut through the noise. These platforms don’t give a damn about free speech. They care about profit, engagement, and making sure you stay addicted to the controversy they create. Hate speech, conspiracy theories, misinformation - it’s all fair game because it drives clicks, comments, and cash. That is what “free speech” has become in the social media age. And here’s the kicker: they use you to do it. You’re not exercising free speech; you’re a pawn in their game, amplifying their agenda without even realizing it.

Think about it. When was the last time you voiced your opinion online? Why did you do it? Was it because you truly had something to say, or were you pushed into it by the memes, the headlines, the trending hashtags? These platforms are molding your thoughts, shaping your outrage, and pushing you to the brink, all in the name of engagement. And the worst part? You think it’s your idea.

It’s Not About Free Speech - It’s About Free Will

Let’s stop pretending that this is all about protecting some sacred right. The real question is: When did you lose your free will? Social media has hijacked your ability to think for yourself. The evolution of genes might be slow, but the evolution of memes -ideas, concepts, and viral trends - is accelerating at a pace none of us can keep up with. And guess who’s controlling it? The very platforms claiming to champion your freedom of speech.

So, here’s my challenge to you: stop talking about free speech and start talking about free will. Ask yourself, who benefits when you tweet, post, or share? Is it really you, or are you just another cog in a massive, money-making machine?

In a world where free speech has become a weapon, maybe it’s time to reclaim something far more important - your ability to think for yourself. I hope you find your true free will soon.