Digital Media and Human Rights: Challenges and Opportunities in the Connected Society

Abstract

Introduction: Human nature grants inalienable rights to individuals, essential for fulfilling their role in the world and understanding their obligations to themselves and others. These rights must be respected by individuals and societies to maintain balance in social interactions. Objectives: To show how the current use of social media goes against human rights because, through algorithms, individuals are manipulated in decision-making across different áreas. Methodology: This study employs a qualitative approach, based on a literature review and analysis of previous studies on the impact of technology and digital media on human rights. Academic sources, reports on algorithm usage, and the effect of social media on interpersonal communication were analyzed. Results and Discussion: Findings suggest that the proliferation of technologies and digital platforms has decreased verbal communication and weakened personal relationships. Furthermore, the use of algorithms to personalize content compromises users' freedom, as they are unaware of how their online interactions are being manipulated. Conclusions: Digital media have a significant impact on human rights, particularly on individual freedom and the quality of personal relationships. This work emphasizes the importance of ensuring that technology fosters a safe and favorable environment for humans, aligned with human rights principles.