The advent of social media and other forms of online commentary have brought new meaning to the term 'freedom of expression'.

Websites like Facebook and Twitter have certainly facilitated the exercise of this right. Unfortunately, they have also made it infinitely easier for people to make absolute fools of themselves.

Which is exactly what is happening when half the island rushes forth to inundate EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ms Cecilia Malmstrom's personal Facebook page with obscenities.

Ordinarily, I'm all for people making fools of themselves. It provides quite the amusing sport, particularly when I'm languishing bored at home.

In this case, I'm not so amused. Mainly because these people are not only making fools of themselves, but also of Malta. And, by extension, of me.

I really do not relish having to explain to all my foreign friends and acquaintances, that yes, some of us can take part in a civilized debate without resorting to sexual innuendoes/violence.

It is going to take a certain degree of persuasion on my part, particularly if these people managed to read the pearls posted on said Facebook page before they were removed.At this point, it is not even just about racism and humanitarian issues (it is that too, and let us not forget it).

But it is also about a substantial portion of people in this country who seem to think that freedom of expression includes the right to act abusively towards others.

It doesn't. At law school, this is one of the first things we were taught. Rights come with obligations. Maybe they should start teaching these things across the board. At primary school, get them young.I'd have thought it was a question of common sense.

But apparently, I was wrong.