Communication Fail: Freedom of Speech is NOT Freedom of Consequence

Today, we’re talking about appropriate vs. inappropriate use of social media, and the mistakes so many people make. One of which is that we often misconstrue freedom of speech and what that means.

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

It doesn’t talk about freedom of consequences. It’s about freedom from government interference. That’s the only thing that freedom of speech does — it prevents the government from stopping you from protesting or talking. It doesn’t mean freedom from the way other people interpret your words, or freedom from losing clients or losing your job because you think you can say whatever you want on social media.

When social media first became a thing, people were posting all kinds of stuff, and there was a lot of fall out about that. You’d think by now that people would have learned not to rant on social media. When you put something out on the internet, it’s there forever — for your employers and everyone else to see.

So, it’s a massive fail to misconstrue freedom of speech for freedom of consequence.

Pro tip: When you're upset and emotional, write down your thoughts…and then delete it.