free speech

Stock photography of Facebook on an iPhone. Photo by Adam Glanzman/Northeastern University

A case for reading—and weeding—the comments on social media platforms like Facebook

Earlier this month, broadcaster and noted conspiracy theorist Alex Jones was banned from several social media platforms. Joseph Reagle, a Northeastern associate professor who studies online culture, sees this as a watershed moment: Now, social platforms are defining the type of interactions they want to foster.

by Molly Callahan August 27, 2018

Nat Hentoff in 2004. Photo via Flickr user K.G. Schneider

The First Amendment, and all that jazz

Nat Hentoff, a renowned authority on the First Amendment and one of the most prominent and prolific authors and journalists ever to graduate from Northeastern, died last month. He’s remembered for “his principles and consistency,” one professor said.

by News@Northeastern February 7, 2017

Recent protests ‘playing an important role in the democratic process’

In the days since the election, movements have cropped up across the U.S. to protest Donald J. Trump’s presidency. While assistant professor Sarah J. Jackson says the climate reminds her of “the mood of the nation in the 1960s,” she also notes that protests in general can serve to bring people together, and are in fact a necessary part of a healthy democracy.

by Molly Callahan November 18, 2016

3Qs: Professors weigh in on SCOTUS decision, free speech on social media

On Monday, the Supreme Court for the first time addressed the implications of free speech on social media. In the case Elonis v. United States,…

by Matthew McDonald June 3, 2015

3Qs: Free speech in the digital age

Dale Herbeck, professor and chair of the Department of Communication Studies, says the Internet, globalization, and the speed at which technology evolves has raised many questions regarding the law, freedom of expression, and privacy.

by Greg St. Martin February 6, 2013

3Qs: When funny turns un-funny

Comedian Tracy Morgan, known for his role as Tracy Jordan on the sitcom “30 Rock,” was widely criticized earlier this month after he made homophobic comments during a comedy show in Nashville. Some argue that people shouldn’t be upset by comedians’ offensive remarks. Others find this kind of comedy anything but funny. Here, Northeastern communication studies lecturer William Lancaster sheds some light on why offensive comedy is so common — and what’s really wrong with it.

by Greg St. Martin June 17, 2011