The presence of hate speech is not a recent occurrence, but its impact has been particularly significant in the era of digital communication. Online hate speech, prevalent in both developed and developing nations as well as conflict-affected areas, has resulted in acts of violence and prejudice targeting individuals and communities based on their race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, social standing, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and other attributes. Consequently, these instances may contribute to the escalation of armed conflicts and hinder the progress of economic development, particularly in developing countries. Despite this, international legal regulations concerning this issue are broad and incomplete, lacking specific guidance on how to effectively moderate online hate speech across social media platforms.

Freedom of speech is a two side of same coin for the general population. Both users, either known or unknown have the liberty to speak their minds online. Both individuals have the right to voice their negative views on the internet, and it would still be seen as a form of exercising their freedom of speech. 

Reading a viewpoint on the internet can alter a reader’s perspective on a particular subject since opinions can introduce new information that was previously unknown when the reader forms their opinion. It should be common for everyone to alter their views when faced with new, accurate information.

The information from an online opinion may not be entirely reliable, which is the only drawback to shifting perspectives. For instance, even if something is false, one can post it online and claim it to be true (mostly watsapp university learners). Because everyone has the right to free speech, many different viewpoints may be misled by false information found online. Your perspective becomes a victim of false information when you alter your opinion due to the acceptance of new information that later proves to be incorrect. 

One can say many rubbish things to one other because of the digital age, but do we really have the right to say these things? Is it appropriate for us to bully, threaten, and mistreat other people online merely because the constitution permits it? The laws cannot keep up with the rapid advancements in the digital era that our disorganized, bureaucratic administration is unable to keep up with. It is possible for everyone with an internet connection to communicate with almost anyone else in the globe. 

I’m not advocating that those individuals should be prohibited from expressing their views on the internet, but I do believe that there should be repercussions for their words. It’s Just as yelling “bomb” in airport leads to consequences, so should the act of sharing threats, offensive remarks, or similar content online. The first amendment shouldn’t be used as a justification for sending sexual threats to women online, making racist statements, or using offensive language. It’s time to reconsider what we mean by freedom of speech in the era of the internet, especially with the increased freedom we now have to exercise this right.