Individual Self-Fulfillment

 Out of the Eight Values of Free Expression, I chose Individual Self-Fulfillment to elaborate on and relate to our modern-day world. Individual Self-Fulfillment states that “free speech enables individuals to express themselves and thereby create their own identity - and, in the process perhaps, find kindred spirits.” When reading that definition, I thought this particular freedom expression had a strong connection to the way that teenagers and young adults use social media, especially Tiktok. As we know, Tik tok has become one of, if not the most popular social media app in the past five years. From an app that used to consist of lip-syncing and dancing, has turned into an extremely vulnerable and open space for individuals to share their achievements, hardships and personal feelings. From “Get Ready with Me” videos to a “Day in the Life” vlog to “Storytime: My Hairstylist ruined my hair!” there are countless videos that people share to the public to inform others, get advice or receive sympathy. Here are some references to those specific TikTok's mentioned above:

 https://www.tiktok.com/@layallure/video/6943001343950916869 Get Ready with Me 

https://www.tiktok.com/@__destinylanae/video/7257607700802981162 Day in the Life 

https://www.tiktok.com/@blushedceo/video/7243228635245677867?q=story%20time&t=1713987892098 Story Time

 People also use this app to express themselves in many other ways without even having to say anything. For example, certain influencers on this app have gotten many views just from having a completely different style of hair or clothing. They got thousands of likes because people admire their confidence to be able to express themselves so freely. People start to feel heard and seen when they see others with the same style, hobbies or habits as them. Therefore, people who had a hard time expressing themselves to others in person, are able to be true to themselves via Tiktok. This is why I believe that Individual Self-Fulfillment heavily relates to this generation and is the most prominent of the Eight Values of Free Expression. Due to social media in general, there are millions of different ways that teenagers and young adults can express themselves. Although I think that Tik Tok is the most popular way to do so, there is no reason to rule out other apps, like Instagram or Snapchat. 

On the contrary, some people believe that Tik Tok has become an “overly expressive” app and is becoming way too personal. Although I believe that Freedom of Speech is a positive thing, I have noticed that influencers on Tik Tok are definitely taking advantage of their opportunity to post whatever they please. Even though it does not affect me personally, I think that there are young kids on this app that should not be seeing certain content. Posting about things that occur in a relationship like sexual references or events that take place during your personal time should not have to be shared to the entire internet. Personally, I believe that there are some things on this earth that should stay private because your entire life does not have to be posted to the web. 

In conclusion, I believe that Individual Self-Fulfillment strongly relates to social media, especially Tiktok. On the app, free speech is utilized as we have access to all different opinions. Although sometimes Tik Tok can be overly intimate, I think that is a great source for information and gives each individual great insight on other perspectives regarding any situation!