Freedom Of Expression In The Digital Age

When the promise to protect one’s freedom of expression came about, those making the promise could never have imagined quite how complex it would get. In other words, America’s founding fathers never could have envisioned the brambly thicket of the modern-day Internet. 

Expression was once limited to the spoken word and the printed press, notably something not everyone could access, as literacy rates were… subpar. Similarly to how America’s early lawmakers probably couldn’t have imagined semi-automatic weaponry, they could likely not predict an information superhighway we keep in our pockets. 

When the world around us changes, the laws that govern it also change a little. When they don’t, we see a disparity between reality and authority. When we are governed by laws that don’t fit how we live, we run into problems. 

When Americans are facing serious, life-changing repercussions from their government for expressing themselves, we as citizens must take decisive action in return. 

So, when we examine these founding laws in a contemporary setting, we have to ask: which parts fit? Which parts don’t fit? Which parts can be adjusted to how the world works now? 

The means to express ourselves have never been more complex, loaded, or essential. In turn, the need to protect information sharing and opinion is growing. 

What does it look like to protect your neighbor’s freedom to express their thoughts? Glass Cactus Marketing put together a short list of ways you can deter censorship and promote an open marketplace of ideas.

Fight for your freedom of expression in the 21^st Century:

1. Commit to documentation: With the wane of physical media, we as Internet users are subject to losing information all the time. All it takes is the right organization and suddenly videos, photos, and other posts can be completely scrubbed. While many suggest “the Internet is forever,” there is always a chance of something not being properly documented. If you come across information you consider worth preserving, preserve it. Whether you choose to archive the data through the Wayback Machine or simply by saving it to a personal device, you are participating in the preservation of expression. 
2. Triple-check your sources: As sophisticated technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Photoshop continue to evolve, it’ll only get harder to verify information. Bots run entire social media profiles and news websites with specific political or inflammatory intentions. When something sounds either too good to be true or too wild not to be on multiple news sources, question that information. News does not have to go through rigorous verification anymore. Anyone, from anywhere, by any means, can share information and claim it to be true. Without a solid foundation of critical reasoning and research skills, we can find ourselves victims of misinformation without even realizing it. If multiple sources can’t verify a piece of information, consider that it exists with a specific agenda. Ask yourself: What would the poster gain by convincing others of their position?
3. Nurture your research skills: Lost is the art of rigorous research. Despite looking down the barrel of unlimited information, we teach the ability to research effectively and correctly less and less. If you, as an individual, can establish yourself as well-read, well-researched, and thorough in your studies, you can pursue personal or digital success with confidence. You can speak knowing what you’re saying is true. A few places to practice effective research could be:
   
   1. Your local library: We guarantee you’ve got a library within your city limits. There you can find knowledgeable librarians, shelves full of research, and unrestricted Internet use. This resource is undoubtedly accessible, diverse, and – importantly – enjoyable. 
   2. Multiple online sources: Any good scholar will tell you that the best research is research backed up on multiple fronts. If only one organization can speak to the veracity of information, information likely has some holes. To avoid falling for misinformation, gather a repertoire of reliable sources you can use to cross-reference inflammatory stories. There may be another side, a different perspective, or even proof that the story was never true.
   3. Community ties: We live in complex communities that weave all ages, races, sexualities, classes, and abilities. Stories, information, and experiences we otherwise may never hear about exist in these communities. If something in the news surprises you, it’s worth asking people around you about their thoughts. They may have deeper ties than you realize. 
4. Establish a firm sense of self: Take a moment to reflect on your deeply held values. Are they values you have because you genuinely believe in them, or because they are values that were foisted upon you? We find influence through our families, friends, schools, neighbors, coworkers, and partners as we grow. If you consider yourself a people pleaser, you might agree with people when, deep down, you are questioning their position. When you have a firmly established foundation of beliefs, values, and ethics sourced from yourself, you can more easily detect dishonesty in information. 
5. Take notes and reflect: Little do we like to admit, human memory is very, very flawed. Several studies ^{[1] [2] [3]} find we forgot or misconstrue memories even minutes after the event happens. Rather than panicking, we can prioritize creating accurate, in-the-moment notes – on paper, by photograph/video, or both – for later reference. By documenting the moments as they happen, you become a more reliable source for yourself and others in the future. It’s also a good excuse to get a cute, hardy notebook: two birds, one stone.

More than anything, we are in an age where strong community ties are key. As we discuss in our blog post Supporting Digital Business Women [link to blog post], our greatest strength is always in numbers. Glass Cactus Marketing truly and entirely believes that the future of digital marketing and, more than that, the digital community starts with us—you and I. 

Resist division and pursue inclusion. Resist ignorance and pursue education. The grandmothers of yesterday are right when they say, “you can attract more bees with honey than with vinegar.”

If we can connect in a place of transparency and growth, there’s almost nothing we can’t accomplish. 

Why Freedom of Expression Needs a Digital Strategy in 2025

The right to speak freely is no longer just a political conversation — it’s a digital responsibility. In a world shaped by viral content, AI misinformation, and powerful online platforms, protecting your voice requires tools, habits, and strategy.

At Glass Cactus Marketing, we recognize that freedom of expression isn’t just a right — it’s an act of digital stewardship.

Here are more ways you can support an open Internet and defend authentic voices:

• Support platforms that value speech, not control: As tech companies evolve, so do their moderation policies. Choose networks and tools that prioritize user control, transparency, and decentralized publishing.
• Educate your audience through your content: If you run a brand or personal platform, use it as a place for education and critical thinking — not just advertising. Empower others to question, research, and stay informed.
• Use privacy-first tools: Encrypt your messages, browse with VPNs, and store data securely. Freedom of speech means little if your speech is constantly monitored.
• Champion creators who speak up: Whether it’s independent journalists, digital artists, or outspoken educators, lift up voices that challenge the status quo through thoughtful, well-researched content.

What This Means for Brands in the Digital Era

Brands, too, have a responsibility to support free expression — not by avoiding tough conversations, but by creating space for them. In 2025 and beyond, brands that lean into transparency, authenticity, and community building are the ones that earn lasting trust.

At Glass Cactus Marketing, our campaigns are built to reflect the values that matter — integrity, clarity, and inclusion. Whether we’re developing content, building social media strategy, or managing a brand’s messaging, we ensure your voice stays yours — strong and clear.

Final Thought: Protect the Signal, Block the Noise

Digital freedom is both a right and a practice. It means documenting what matters, questioning what doesn’t, and creating a world where more voices — not fewer — are heard.

Let’s build a digital space where honesty spreads faster than misinformation. Where critical thinking beats clickbait. And where your brand, your story, and your truth have the room to grow.