Free Speech is Overrated

Free speech is truly overrated. Just because people have the right to speak and share ideas doesn't necessarily mean that people will say anything meaningful. In fact, as more people have the capability to share their ideas globally, it will pollute the collective consciousness of society.

In his blog, Web Strategy by Jeremiah, Jeremiah Owyang says,

"Enablement software is for the global community, and can empower individuals to enter the global conversation at no cost –just add internet. "

It reminds me of my favorite quote from Jurassic Park, from Dr. Ian Malcom played by Jeff Goldblum,

"I'll tell you the problem with the scientific power that you're using here: it didn't require any discipline to attain it. You read what others had done and you took the next step. You didn't earn the knowledge for yourselves, so you don't take any responsibility for it. You stood on the shoulders of geniuses to accomplish something as fast as you could and before you even knew what you had you patented it and packaged it and slapped it on a plastic lunchbox, and now you're selling it, you want to sell it! "

Now granted Jeremiah is advocating free tools to extend this global conversation, but nothing is truly free. Someone's making a buck somewhere along the way.

You might be asking yourself what this has to do with PDAs. In fact, it has a lot to do with PDAs, because mobility will create more opportunities to broadcast, share and report on life as it happens. It's already happening. And, that will have some drastic consequences. We've already seen the Iranian government harrassing bloggers in that country. My fear is that ever increasing free speech will ultimately result in governments curtailing our rights. Even Singapore has indicated it's going to ban podcasts during the next election.

I guess I'm arguing for measured growth so we can avoid total anarchy. Learn more about Smart Mobs to see how anarchist groups are utilizing technology to swarm public places. Mobile technologies are expected to be used increasingly in upcoming elections. Do you think this behavior might be disruptive? I think so. This trend will only continue. And, what are we to do when terrorists begin using these tools?

Think about it.  Take responsibility for the technology you create and exercise caution. If that doesn't concern you, consider how long it will be before artificial intelligence truly emerges and machines really begin thinking for themselves. But that's a topic for another day.

Bottom line, I'm playing devil's advocate to a certain extent. I don't want to dishonor the U.S. troops who have died in defense of our civil liberties and freedoms. I believe in free speech but we have to exercise caution or else we stand to lose those rights. But, I do think technology advances faster than societies change. See my recent post about the kosher phone for an example of society rejecting technology, or at least constraining the freedoms it offers.

So, be careful of what you create. Let's remember the parable of Frankenstein. Just because you have the technology to create something doesn't necessarily mean it's a good thing! Thank you for your indulgence.

[Member, LinkedIn Bloggers]

Updates:

4-08-06 Jeremiah Owyang posts Global Conversations are Polluting the Collective Consciousness? I Disagree.

4-08-06 Rick Cooper posts Global Conversations Cloud Creative Content

4-08-06 Rick Cooper posts Five Simple Strategies to Muffle Online Pollution

4-08-06 Mike Sansone posts Whistle Stops - 04/08/06

4-09-06 Mike Sansone posts Have Your Say - It's Important to Somebody

4-09-06 Jeremiah Owyang posts Mike the conductor whistles in