Social Media X Freedom of Speech

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This reflection aims to highlight the impact of social media on freedom of speech and how it has resulted in a greater focus on social issues by businesses. The essay will also argue why it is advantageous for companies to prioritize social factors through two principles: the significance of independence and the capacity to lead by obedience. 

Due to the brevity of this essay, I base many arguments on standard assumptions. However common in Western ethos, I want these assumptions to be acknowledged. One assumption prevalent in this essay is that economic principles are natural. Under this assumption, supply and demand is a naturally occurring force in society. It is an example of how the availability and desire for a product or service can impact its price. Another assumption is that businesses play a significant role in individuals' lives. I acknowledge that this view is not universal.

Businesses affect us in various ways, from the software in 120 million American pockets to the landlord who neglects to replace the lobby A/C unit. Now more than ever, powered by the digital world, Americans can speak up. Before the advent of social media, individuals had to contact a publisher to have their content in a local newspaper. Today, I only need a blue checkmark to have a platform.

Due to the influence of social media, businesses are now beholden to their vocal customers. As the power of the customer has increased in America, firms have emphasized pandering to social factors. In the following reflection, I will cover a few ways the business landscape has changed due to an increased ability for freedom of speech and apply two principles highlighted by Wollstonecraft and Emerson.

In his 1897 Speech, readers observe Chief Joseph's gripping appeal to Congress. The speech itself does not reflect well on the American government. Despite this reality, the American Congress gives Chief Joseph a platform. Similarly, social media platforms like X give individuals a platform even if the content of the message negatively characterizes a conglomerate. Most businesses once focused on becoming cost-cutting, profit-maximizing machines. Although the aforementioned principles are still relevant today, companies now give more importance to social issues. The rise of social media has made it so that destructive practices have tangible social consequences.

Companies must invest in maintaining their social standing because a bad social reputation will lead to people not buying their products. In the past, businesses may have been able to ignore public outcry because a) fewer people had a voice and b) the people were not as well connected. Now, you can connect with like-minded individuals to collectively advocate against problematic practices, like social irresponsibility or mistreatment of employees.

We must examine two business values to understand why industry giants have found pandering to their customers advantageous. First is the principle of the value of independence. According to her argument in A Vindication of the Rights of Women, Wollstonecraft claims independence and virtue are closely intertwined ("And how can woman be expected to co-operate, unless she know why she ought to be virtuous? Unless [independence] strengthen her reason till she comprehend her duty"). Wollstonecraft argues that women should be educated to become virtuous to benefit society as a whole, including men. She asserts that one can only attain virtue by becoming independent. The argument is as such: the gift of reason allows for independent thought and, thus, the ability for independence. Independence allows one to practice their virtues. Practicing virtues strengthens reason. Having a strong capacity for reason is beneficial to society. Strong thinkers are valuable to society through their work, which often falls under the umbrella of a business.

When we think about independence being a good thing, we must consider the downside: it enables us to do wrong. Due to the brevity of our discussion, it's difficult to define what's wrong. Let's operate under Christian moral guidelines for now. In his essays and journal, "Wealth," Emerson proposes the idea of command by obeying. Emerson argues that obedience can be a form of command when it is oriented toward what one considers good through independent belief. Emerson argues that command via obeying nature is advantageous. Natural impulses enable us to be enslaved to intangible masters such as greed, jealousy, and aimless spending. An individual, Christians may argue, will live a life of more freedom, ironically, by hindering oneself from indulging in everything at their disposal. Through independently ordered limiting of oneself, one is truly free from slavery.

Under this pretext, consider Emerson's idea of command by obeying and how it applies to any good business. A business must abide by the principles of value creation. Observance of the law: make products so good people will buy them. A business must abide by the principles of supply and demand. Observance of the law: make products people need and price them appropriately to the degree of need. Finally, a business must abide by the principle of appeasing the consumer. Observance of the law: make the customer happy. In today's world, where customers are empowered to share their experiences with others, businesses must be mindful of social issues. People are more likely to purchase from companies that positively impact their perception of life.

To achieve success, a team must balance the principles of independence and command by obedience. An effective team comprises of independent individuals with a command of their specialty. They exercise their shared power through obedience to the natural principles of economics and business. The concept conveyed here is that following the laws of nature is a type of authority, and this can be attained only through autonomous thinking. According to Wollstonecraft, this type of authority can solely be achieved through knowledge-based virtue, which, in turn, can only be accomplished through independence.

In conclusion, the rise of social media has given individuals a voice and created a greater focus on social issues by businesses. Companies now give more importance to their social reputation because of the tangible consequences of a bad reputation. Two principles, the value of independence and the capacity to command by obedience can help businesses prioritize social factors. While independence allows for virtuous behavior, it can also enable us to do wrong. Therefore, businesses must also obey principles of value creation, supply and demand, and customer appeasement. Businesses can benefit by investing in considering social factors and abiding by the principles related to them.