Kassandra Ozbun
Kellyville High School
Facebook Inc.’s oversight board has determined that they will continue to keep Donald Trump off of their social media platforms for at least the next 6 months. The board of 20 lawyers, journalists, and academics have determined that the messages Donald Trump posted on his Facebook and Twitter accounts were causing more issues than were already present. The posts occurred after the January 6th demonstration that ended with damage to the capital as well as injured people left in the wake.
Now it is true that the platforms are meant to be an open platform where people should be able to express themselves without fear of repercussions. However, these platforms have their own set of rules that are to be followed while being used. There are the terms of agreement that each user is required to read and sign before they are allowed to use the platform. It is in these terms of agreement that it is stated the controllers of the platform reserve the right to suspend and terminate a user for violations or other reasons. It is for this reason that the platforms are not truly considered to be open for all users.
I believe that any one person who signs up for one or more of these social network platforms is putting their beliefs out to be judged. There really is no true free speech on these platforms, and if you post something that is in violation of the terms or not a well liked opinion, it could be removed or the user suspended. This is also the same feeling that Donald Trump shared during an interview. It is also a fear shared by so many social media users.
We are not required to use these social media platforms, but because they are the most widely used, few leave the platforms. These platforms are how many people stay in touch with each other and can quickly share information that needs to be shared. Therefore, it is these reasons many people chose to stay on the platforms. They stay on the platforms and continue to use them as they always have. Sharing their thoughts and ideas without any regard for consequences. They also share their points of view with others even though there are arguments that begin as a result of these posts.
Knowing that the population will not stop their use of these platforms, the only choice that can be made is to read what you will and ignore the rest. The people that control the platforms will continue to control them as they chose, so be careful what you post and who you follow. You never know what will cause the oversight board or any other controlling group to decide to suspend your account. You could be the next Donald Trump, just without the highly publicized life to cause any kind of public uproar.
