You are not allowed to yell “Fire!” in a movie theater—it is not protected speech—and yet people can hurl insults at you with almost no fear of prosecution

You are not allowed to yell “Fire!” in a movie theater—it is not protected speech—and yet people can hurl insults at you with almost no fear of prosecution. They are stating their opinion, protected by the First Amendment and free speech. This dilemma raises the critical question: Where do we draw the line?

In this Discussion, you will consider how “free” speech is today, how social media has played a role, and what we should be doing to promote, or protect, our speech.

To prepare for this Discussion:

• Read the Communication Program Discussion Guidelines.
• Watch Freedom of Speech: Crash Course Government and Politics #25.
• Watch Freedom of Speech.
• Read “6 Surprising Exceptions to Freedom of Speech.”  

By Day 4

Post a response that addresses the following questions:

• How “free” do you believe your speech is today? 
• How has social media changed the conversation surrounding free speech? What problems does this bring? 
• Should we be doing more, less or the same to regulate speech? Why?