Towson Twitter Ban

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/bs-sp-towson-twitter-ban-0214-20120213,0,7597466.story

After reading that Towson imposed on Twitter, I have realized just how much social media has influenced my generation.  It's something that we're still trying to figure out - regarding free speech and the likes - in the same way that the internet is trying to figure it out as well.

It brings up the interesting debate on free speech and what authorities can control.  I completely support what the University of Maryland is doing, with giving a seminar/class on proper social network usage for student athletes.  It's totally cool to request them to not post things during the season, because a spontaneous loss or win can create an emotionally charged statement, which isn't good for school publicity.  They are essentially representatives of the school, as most all of them are on scholarship.  Whether they like it or not, the student athletes are in the limelight, and they must act responsibly.

However, I again agree with the University of Maryland's policy on the matter: let them figure it out for themeselves.  You can ask them not to be stupid, to not post dumb or offensive stuff, but ultimately they're just going to have to figure out everything for themselves.  The generation above us is a little less savvy with controlling their emotions via social networking - look at any of the aged 30 and over celebrities - some of the stuff they say is amazing - bashing other people, slandering and posting profanities - they have no concept of what is appropriate or not.  College athletes have a time to learn this and figure this out for themselves.  It's better they learn now, rather than find out in the professional careers (which often are less forgiving).

To take away that privilege from someone, however, borders are an infringement of the Constitutional right of Free Speech.  It's important with technology that while we promote proper use, if there is no criminal action in the things being done, regulation is an infringement on our basic rights, and can prove to be a very slippery slope.