When people get together face to face there is a chance to adjust one's tone and vocabulary to insure that the intended recipient "gets it." Offending someone is usually not intended. Private conversations provide some protection, and if an "eavesdropper" is offended, so what.
Not the same on "social" networks. Language and attitude that works among 20-somethings may be upsetting and offensive to older generations.
Instead of self-censorship to protect those who might be offended, people should have the option of communicating in an area where trespassers would be required to accept responsibility for what they listen to. Grandma shouldn't have to be worry about being surprised by nasty-sounding comments from someone one third of her age - but she shouldn't be permitted to enter these "dangerous" areas without some warning and assumption of risk. After all, that's what porn sites have to do...
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