It's really simple in my opinion. Many people (not just Americans) regard the term "freedom of speech" to mean the following: 1. I am free to say what I want,

It's really simple in my opinion. Many people (not just Americans) regard the term "freedom of speech" to mean the following: 1. I am free to say what I want, when I want to, to whomever I want to say it. My speech deserve to be amplified. 2. Others are free to do the same, as long as what they say align with my political/religious/whatever belief system. Their speech deserve to be amplified as well. 3. I am also free to block or limit the speech of those that say things that do not align with my political/religious/whatever belief system. 4. Those that apply #3 to me are infringing on my rights to freedom of speech. Note the contradiction! Many people are perfectly happy living with this contradiction, because it's an "us vs. them" situation, and "they" are obviously wrong and "we" are obviously right. See social theories about tribalism, social circles, religions etc. IMO, the only thing that "freedom of speech" grants is the right to criticise your government without fear of prosecution. You are very much not free to say whatever you want, as this can cause harm to others (see: hate speech). Lastly, if there is a downvote/flag/report/whatever button on any piece of speech on the internet, people are going to press it. No matter what. Even "real" freedom of speech absolutists. Not just Americans, EVERYONE will press it that disagrees. This is a very very very basic human reaction, and you have to really work hard to not fall in this trap.