It’s no secret that today’s political and social climate feels like a balancing act between saying what you mean and avoiding stepping on toes. But the concerning part is that freedom of speech and freedom of religion—fundamental rights—are increasingly being shaped by individuals and institutions that don’t seem to understand or exercise them fully. As we dive into this, let’s look at how Gen Z, social media ads, and public education play into the shifting dynamics.
Gen Z: The Free Thinkers in a Controlled Environment
Gen Z has grown up in a world where their voices are louder and more connected than ever, thanks to social media. They have platforms, opinions, and a wealth of information at their fingertips. But ironically, this generation's freedom to express themselves is often policed by algorithms and online gatekeepers who dictate what can and can’t be said. Their creativity, political activism, and cultural shifts are sometimes overshadowed by the fear of being “canceled” or silenced.
It’s wild, right? A generation with more tools to express themselves than ever before is also more afraid to speak their mind. Sure, some of that fear comes from the consequences of spreading misinformation or promoting harmful ideologies, but the line between free speech and censorship has never been blurrier. And the people making these decisions? Often not the ones who truly understand freedom or have had to fight for it.
Social Media Ads: The Quiet Influence
Speaking of social media, let’s talk about ads for a second. Have you noticed how much control social media ads seem to have over public discourse? Whether it's a political campaign or a brand selling you the next must-have product, the voices in these ads are shaping opinions more than we realize. What’s alarming is that these ads, often disguised as organic content, influence without really giving the audience a chance to challenge or question them.
And here’s the kicker: those who control these ads are not necessarily people who are invested in freedom of speech or freedom of religion. Their primary concern is profit. They’re selling something—an idea, a product, a politician—and they’re doing it with precision. Social media platforms are no longer just spaces for personal expression; they’ve become highly curated, tightly controlled environments where the highest bidder controls the message. Think about it, when was the last time an ad asked for your opinion instead of just telling you what to think?
Public Education: Where Freedom Gets a Little Lost
Public education is another area where freedom of speech and religion often feel like they’re under siege. Schools are supposed to be places where young minds can explore ideas, debate, and learn about different belief systems. But increasingly, public education is becoming a battleground for who gets to decide what can and can’t be said or taught.
Take, for instance, how religious teachings are handled. In many public schools, there’s a fine line between discussing religion in an educational context and promoting a specific belief system. The problem arises when that line is drawn not by educators but by policymakers who might not fully respect freedom of religion.
Or let’s look at freedom of speech in the classroom. Teachers and students alike have to navigate a minefield of acceptable speech. Public education, which should be the breeding ground for open dialogue, is often suffocated by regulations that prevent anyone from saying anything remotely controversial. The result? A generation that might be hesitant to voice their thoughts for fear of punishment or reprimand.
The Bottom Line
The reality is, our freedoms—speech and religion—are often being shaped by those who don’t seem to have a strong grasp of them or aren’t directly affected by their limitations. Whether it’s the social media companies pulling the strings on what you can see or say, the advertisers quietly molding your opinions, or the public education system limiting what can be discussed, it feels like the people truly exercising freedom are not the ones making the rules.
And Gen Z, despite their potential to be the most outspoken generation yet, is stuck in the middle of it all. Between cancel culture, censorship, and the carefully curated world of social media, their freedom of speech is increasingly restricted. As for freedom of religion, that’s becoming a taboo subject in public spaces, especially in schools, where discussing religious diversity feels more like a risk than a learning opportunity.
So, what can we do about it? For starters, we need to recognize that these freedoms are not just theoretical concepts but living rights that should be actively practiced, not passively governed. If we want to protect them, we need to ensure that the people making decisions about them—whether they’re in government, social media, or education—actually believe in and exercise those freedoms themselves.
Only then can we start reclaiming the true essence of freedom of speech and religion in a world that feels more restrictive by the day.
by Dan and Bonkers
SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS TODAY!!!
