Steemit encourages freedom of speech as nothing can be deleted from a consensus built block chain.
Steemit allows us to pool our resources (our attention) toward real world goals. Steem Park is one example of this, but charities are also bound to benefit from the attention model. If you're curious about Steem Park: https://steemit.com/steempark/@hitheryon/steem-park-is-official-steemit-s-first-crowdsourced-marketing-project
With Steemit, all users get an automatic (and growing as you earn) investment in the Steemit Platform. Users who prefer to make consistent withdrawals can still do so. Up until now it's been difficult for many people to invest. More people buy lottery tickets than actually have investments. Having a social network with a built in default investment could be a game changer for many users.
Pictures used here were found from:
https://steemit.com/steemit/@demotruk/steemit-and-the-attention-economy
http://www.thehypemagazine.com/2016/04/5-startups-that-give-to-charity-in-innovative-ways/
https://socialmediaandteenagers.wordpress.com/2012/01/28/who-has-the-power-cutting-out-the-middleman/