By Erich H. Horst | September 11, 2025 In an era where a single tweet can spark a global conversation—or ignite real-world violence—social media's promise of connection feels increasingly hollow. Once a tool for bridging divides, platforms like X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Discord, Rumble, and Facebook now amplify hate, misinformation, and bullying, often under the banner of "free speech." This tension isn't just a tech glitch; it's a societal crisis demanding urgent reflection. Drawing from a recent in-depth dialogue on these issues, this article explores how Section 230 shields platforms from accountability, how the First Amendment's protections are being misunderstood, the delicate balance between free expression and censorship (with a transatlantic twist), and why digital literacy emerges as our best defense. As we mark the one-year anniversary of the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) in 2025, the stakes for global discourse have never been higher. B...