ICT speech

Let’s talk about a topic that’s as spicy as our favorite curry - "Social Media and Freedom
of Expression." It's like a masala mix of opinions, memes, and drama, isn't it?
Picture this: social media platforms are like different parties. Instagram says, "My life is
a party," while Snapchat goes, "My life's a quirky TV show." Facebook brags, "My life
turned out great," and Twitter? Well, Twitter screams, "We're all going to die". Isn’t that a
laugh?
Social media, in its essence, is a double-edged sword. On one side, it has democratized
information, giving a voice to the voiceless and empowering individuals to share their
thoughts and beliefs without the traditional gatekeepers of information. Platforms like
Facebook, Twitter, and Reddit have enabled revolutions, social movements, and have
been instrumental in bringing critical issues to the forefront of global awareness.
Now, let's talk about the brighter side of social media. Amidst all the memes, drama, and
occasional chaos, social media has been a beacon of positive change. It has connected
long-lost friends, reunited families, and created global communities of like-minded
individuals who may never have met otherwise.
Think about the impact of social media in times of crisis. Platforms like Twitter and
Facebook have proven to be invaluable tools for spreading awareness during natural
disasters, mobilizing support for charitable causes, and providing a platform for
individuals to share their inspiring stories of resilience and hope.
Moreover, social media has become a virtual stage for creativity. From artists
showcasing their work on Instagram to musicians sharing their talents on platforms like
TikTok, it has become a democratizing force in the world of art and entertainment. Viral
challenges and trends bring people together in a celebration of shared experiences,
turning the digital space into a global playground.
Let's not forget the educational aspect. Social media has opened up new avenues for
learning, with platforms like YouTube hosting tutorials on a vast array of subjects. It has
become a space for knowledge-sharing and skill-building, breaking down traditional
barriers to education.
And in the spirit of freedom of expression, social media has given a platform to
marginalized voices, allowing them to tell their stories and advocate for change.

ICT speech 1
 Movements like #BlackLivesMatter gained momentum through social media, shedding
light on systemic issues and fostering a sense of solidarity.
But let's get serious for a moment. The big question these days is about "bad" speech
on the internet, especially on platforms like Facebook and Twitter. Hate speech,
disinformation, propaganda - they’ve been around forever, but now, thanks to social
media, they’re like loudspeakers in a stadium. And in this era of the internet, the old
saying that more speech is the best remedy for bad speech is being tested like never
before.
Remember when Instagram changed its logo and everyone lost their minds? Some
loved it, others hated it, and the memes, oh, the memes! It was like a festival of
opinions. These changes in social networks, whether it's a new algorithm or a design
overhaul, are like uninvited guests at a wedding. They take some control away from us,
and let's be honest, we don't always like that. But sometimes, these changes are for the
better, like when Facebook introduced its timeline. It wasn't popular at first, but now it
helps us see more from friends than brands - a relief, right?.
And speaking of Facebook’s timeline, did you know that when it was introduced, 78% of
users were like, “What have you done to my familiar old Facebook?” And 64% showed
signs of stress. Yes, changing a social media interface can be as stressful as missing
your favorite TV show.
But here's the kicker: no matter how much we grumble about these changes, we keep
coming back. It’s like that neon shirt you thought was ugly, but you wear it anyway
because, well, it’s there. As one tech reporter put it, "This will all blow over, just like it
always does with Facebook and Twitter... You may think neon is ugly, but I guarantee
you’ll still be back using the app again tomorrow".

So, what does all this mean for freedom of expression? It's a balancing act. We want to
speak our minds, but we also don’t want social media to turn into a battleground. We
need to be the change we want to see on these platforms. Let's use social media to
share, to laugh, to learn, and yes, even to debate - but let's do it with respect.

In conclusion, social media is like a mirror to our society - sometimes it reflects the best
of us, sometimes the not-so-great. But it's up to us to use this powerful tool wisely, to
ensure that freedom of expression remains a right and not a weapon.

Thank you!

ICT speech 2