Gab.ai is the free speech alternative to Twitter. And I’d like to take a quick moment here to answer the question: “Why is Gab important?”
First, let’s tackle some background information. Gab.ai was founded to be an alternative for the rise of social media applications that seemed to be focused all too heavily on censorship of ideas and thoughts. Thus, they presented themselves as a free speech alternative.
They’ve been having a rocky start. While the website is doing well, getting it accepted on mobile applications has been troubling.
Apple has continuously rejected their application in the app store, citing “hate speech” infractions. Google has also banned Gab for the same reason.
Which is interesting. Because Gab.ai is just a platform where people can chat, much in the same vein as Facebook or Twitter. If you read enough on either of these apps, you are certain to find plenty of “hate speech”. However, they still have their apps up and running on both the App store and Google Play.
It appears that there is a clear double standard here. Apps that manage user’s thoughts are permitted; whereas apps that work in favor of free speech are not.
Please note that even though Gab allows free speech, they do not allow any criminal/illegal materials. There is nothing sinister about the social media platform; it functions in the same manner as the others. It just does not censor users.
So Why Is Gab.ai Important?
This double standard that is clearly present is exactly why Gab.ai is important.
The limitations of free speech, and the censorship of ideas and applications that permit them, are exactly why more social media applications need to be like Gab.
There are very few things in life that are black and white. But one of those is speech. There is no “half-way” with free speech. Either you have it, or you don’t.
There can not be a list of items that are approved to speak about freely, because this list will only decay as time goes on and more individuals seemingly get offended by more things.
Vitriolic, stupid language is normal with humanity. How is this language adequately combated? Through its open discourse.
With more individuals speaking their minds, it allows others to debate them in an open manner. Stupid ideas can be shut down quickly.
Without it, they fester. They grow in secret, in the hearts and minds of those that possess them.
With free speech, they are brought to the front stage. They are torn down piece by piece and decimated. Dissuading others from adopting them. Encouraging others to think more logically and intuitively.
One of the greatest advancements our world has ever had was the open exchange of ideas and information. Without it, we are purposely handicapping ourselves and our children’s future.
Does gab.ai do all of this? Not necessarily. It’s not some monolithic organization that can cure all problems through open communication.
But it is a step in the right direction of the restoration of free speech on the internet. It allows more conversation to be done in the manner that most people are accustomed too. Things like short, quick takes on modern events.
Thus, the social media Gab acts in a manner that supports and promotes those free speech goals.
The continuing proliferation of censorship and anti-free speech organizations will harm us. We need organizations and individuals that seek to rectify that.
And Gab.ai is one of them.
