Blog Post #3

REFLECT   and think about which one resonates most with you. Which ones feel most important? Which ones feel most personal to you? Which one do you see in action today? (You can choose more than one.)  

Think about how a theory can help explain something going on in the real world.

MY ANSWERS ARE IN THIS TEXT

1. Marketplace of Ideas (aka Discovery of Truth) — see John Milton, Areopagitica

  This value was first suggested by Milton, who first said that when truth and falsehood are allowed to freely grapple, truth will win out. And the grappling makes the truth even stronger. His argument against requiring a license to print/publish.

2. Participation in Self-Government — It has been suggested that citizens will not make wise and informed choices in elections if candidates and proponents of certain policies are restricted in their ability to communicate positions. We want an informed electorate involved in debate.

3. Stable Change ( aka Safety Valve) — It has been suggested that a society in which angry and alienated citizens are allowed to speak their mind, or "vent," will be more stable, as people will be less likely to resort to violence.  It has also been pointed out that allowing the alienated and discontented to speak freely enables government to better monitor potentially dangerous groups who would otherwise act more clandestinely. Ultimately, it is in the governments own self-interest to allow such venting. I believe this is very important because this is the First Amendment (right to religion, speech, press assembly, and petition). If this isn't practiced, then this is injustice rather than righteous justice in which all people deserve. 

    4. Individual Self-Fulfillment ( aka Self-Actualization) — Free speech enables individuals to express themselves and thereby create their own identity — and, in the process perhaps, find kindred spirits. Freedom of speech thus becomes an aspect of human dignity, human agency and autonomy. I feel like this resonates with me a little bit especially picking my studies and career. giving a very short version, I have had a love for cars since I was 4. I want to work in the automobile industry. Along with my friends going into Sports Management, graphic design, marketing, I wanted to study Strategic Communications and Minor in Marketing because I am pursuing a career in sales and CMO at a luxury car dealership. So, I wanted to study a new and useful concept for my unique career. I would also say this one feels personal to me as well.

    5. Check on Governmental Power (aka Watchdog Role) — As Watergate, Irangate, Clintongate and all the other "gates" demonstrate, freedom of the press enables citizens to learn about abuses of power — and then do something about the abuse at the ballot box if they feel so moved. We, along with the press, are part of the check-and-balance system to restrain government power and abuse of power. This is very current because freedom of press and public criticism are key tools to exposing abuse and corruption by officials.

    6. Promote Tolerance — It has been argued that freedom of speech, especially through our  practice of extending protection to speech that we find hateful or personally upsetting, teaches us to become more tolerant in other aspects of life — and that a more tolerant society is a better society. Somewhat counter-intuitive, the First Amendment protects hate speech because society learns valuable lessons from, including why it is hateful and worthy of condemnation. It’s how we spread norms about acceptable behavior.

    7. Promote Innovation — A community in which free speech is valued and protected is likely to be a more energized, creative, interesting society as its citizens actively fulfill themselves in many diverse and interesting ways.

    8. Protect Dissent —Our system is not supposed to be one of mob rule. The First Amendment protects minority views, no matter how unpopular. You have a strongly protected right to disagree with the government — and everyone else. In fact, it is your patriotic duty to criticize the government.

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Talk about news that is happening right now. Think about technologies that you rely on, like social media. Now, think about connecting up one or more of those ideas to one of the theories. In other words, connect up a specific thing, like social media, to one of the theories. Think about how a theory can help explain something going on in the real world.

KEY POST of at least 500 words. Be sure to think about hallmarks of a good blog post — links to sources, visuals, point of view. Be expressive and share your thoughts! Make this one special!

I am going to connect social media to #3 Stable Change (aka Safety Valve)

My Essay: 

   As someone who checks Instagram before class, and scrolls through Instagram before class, and scrolls through Fox News between workout sets, social media is not just an app on our phones; it's a primary way we understand the world. Right now, something significant is happening online that demonstrates why the communication theories we study in class truly matter. This can be connected to the Stable Change Theory, also known as he "Safety Valve Theory", which helps explain the rise of online political activism. 

    Beginning of 2026, a new wave of political activism has surges across social media platforms. What started as scattered posts from an individual users has rapidly developed into a more coordinated digital movement gaining momentum across multiple platforms. Supporters argue that accountability should extend beyond the president to include the entire cabinet and senior officials, holding them responsible for what they view as ineffective leadership. This is not simply another instance of complaints on social media. The movement has grown to the point where it has been covered by major news outlets such as Fox News, with advocates emphasizing that responsibility for the current political climate lies with the broader leadership team.

This is where communication theory provides valuable insight. The Stable Change Theory, rooted in political science and communication studies, suggests that citizens need the freedom to express opinions about controversial issues and voice dissatisfaction with government policies. A key idea of this theory is that when individuals are able to “let off steam” through expression rather than violence, social stability is maintained. In simpler terms, this concept can be compared to a pressure cooker: without a safety valve, pressure builds until it becomes dangerous, but with proper release, the system remains stable.

Social media platforms provide millions of Americans with a space to express political frustration without resorting to physical protests that could become harmful. People channel their emotions into posts, discussions, and digital organization. When individuals feel heard, they are less likely to take extreme actions. The movement’s emphasis on accountability and restoring trust, rather than promoting violence, reflects the principles of stable change and social order rather than chaos.

As a student taking Principles of Marketing, I observe this theory in everyday situations. For example, when students are frustrated about textbook costs or housing expenses, they often share their concerns online, ask questions, and suggest improvements. While change does not always happen immediately, expressing these frustrations allows individuals to release tension and connect with others who feel the same way. However, this also raises the question of whether online expression leads to meaningful change or simply provides an outlet for opinion.

Ultimately, social media functions as a modern extension of the right to free expression. By allowing citizens to voice dissatisfaction openly, the system can remain stable while still encouraging change. The next time you scroll through your feed and see political posts, it is worth recognizing that you may be witnessing a “safety valve” in action, one that helps maintain social stability while allowing for constructive dissent.

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Sources:

Safety Valve Theory & Free Expression

• Britannica - Digital Activism: https://www.britannica.com/topic/digital-activism
  Defines digital activism and how social media is used for political action

  • BYU ScholarsArchive - Mass Communication Law and Policy: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3005&context=facpub
    Explains the safety valve function of free expression (Emerson, 1970) and how it serves as a check on government

  • Cambridge University Press - Free Speech: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/free-speech/intrinsic-value-arguments-for-free-speech/982C34D71BC476AD6CD318EE412520F5
    Discusses safety valve theory in free speech context

    
    

    Youth & Social Media Activism

    • Global Fund for Children - Modern-Day Youth Activism: https://globalfundforchildren.org/story/modern-day-youth-activism-youth-engagement-in-the-digital-age/
      Explains how social media creates safe spaces for young people to speak out and engage civically

    • Latinoamérica 21 - Youth Activism in the Digital Age: https://latinoamerica21.com/en/youth-activism-in-the-digital-age/
      Discusses how Gen Z uses social media for social and political activism

    • The Conversationalist - Social Media Activism: https://www.theconversationalist.com/blogs/6-ways-to-break-open-your-echo-chamber-about-social-media-activism
      Explores Gen Z's relationship with social media activism and its effectiveness