Context: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-censorship
Self-censorship is the act of censoring or classifying one’s own discourse, typically out of fear or deference to the perceived preferences, sensibilities, or infallibility of others, and often without overt external pressure.
Everyone does, often unconsciously. You know nothing good will come out of mentioning something in present company, so you don’t.
You don’t bring up politics while that weird uncle is visiting for Thanksgiving. You don’t bring up stuff you know will upset your friend. You answer “I don’t know” when a cop asks you if you know why you got pulled over. There’s endless situations where you know it’s best not to say anything, and a few where you quickly learn not to say anything next time.
Life would be very difficult and cumbersome if you didn’t self-censor to at least some extent.
Is there a difference between self censoring and “having a filter”?
Like, I usually don’t say the first thought that comes to mind.
I have to think, often unconsciously like you mentioned, will the next thing I say:
I guess self censorship is just that last one? If something I say can later be reprimanded by the law, my boss, or even a moderator, I’d rather just shut the fuck up.
I’d say the only difference is that when you “have a filter” you may reword the statement before uttering it, but when you self censor you omit the statement altogether.
It certainly doesn’t need to be incriminating. A lot of discourse about self censorship discusses how young people often don’t express their opinions online, because they don’t want to get into some drawn-out discussion which ultimately results in everyone still maintaining the same opinions. It’s a waste of time and not good for your mental health. In that scenario the self-censorship is not about avoiding incriminating yourself, but about not triggering some situation you don’t want to be in.