Chapter 3: Questions from Dr. RSM

In your own words define the phrase ‘least restrictive means’ . Why or why not? 2-4 referenced sentences.

In my own words, ‘least restrictive means’ is when the government has control over a medium of communication, but does so by infringing on their First Amendment rights as little as possible. Governments outside the United States are notorious for not using ‘least restrictive means’ and doing whatever they feel is necessary to censor the material being communicated throughout their country (pg., 170). An example of the United States trying to uphold ‘least restrictive means’ on censorship of public material would be deeming acts such as the Communications Decency Act unconstitutional because it infringed on people’s First Amendment rights (pg. 151)

Why is this term important? How does it effect Freedom of Speech. Why or why not? 2-4 referenced sentences.

This term is important because it coincides with a person’s First Amendment rights. ‘Least restrictive means’ should protect a person’s freedom of speech by allowing them to communicate their ideas without interruption from the government unless necessary. Ethical concerns should help keep large companies and individual websites censored enough without restricting rights by people knowing there should be sensitivity towards certain material on the internet. For example, hopefully a person would think twice before posting information on how to commit suicide because they should know it could affect a person negatively (pg. 169).

Do you consider the Internet an appropriate tool for young children? Why or why not? 2-4 referenced sentences.

I do consider the Internet an appropriate tool for young children as long as it is monitored by their parents in the correct way. It is important for children to learn as many different perspectives about as many different topics as possible so they can develop their own opinions and thoughts as they grow older. Having access to the World Wide Web allows them to do that. As long as parents are filtering out the unwanted material, they should trust their children to use the Internet appropriately (pg. 155).