Is Social Media A Threat To Democracy And Human Rights?

Opinion essay Is social media a threat to democracy and human rights. Social media collects personal information and uses it in many bad ways , violating democratic priciples and human rights. Fake news , which are spreading with social media’s help , pose a threat to democratic elections.

The Internet has opened new channels of communication and self-expression. Countless individuals use message boards, date matching sites, interactive social networks, blog hosting services and video sharing websites to make themselves and their ideas visible to the world. I do believe, that when it comes to democracy and human rights, social media poses potent threats to human right of right to privacy. It is also an excellent platform for spreading fake news and hate speech.

Social media collects personal information and uses it in many bad ways, violating democratic priciples and human rights. Despite the perks social media provides, Google and Facebook have their price. According to the „Amnesty International” organization, by collecting personal consumer data that is then passed on to advertising companies, the two giants are engaging in unprecedented breaches of privacy rights. All advertising on social networks is based on so-called microtargeting - small and very specific groups of people are selected and given information based on their interests, attitudes, hobbies, lifestyles, beliefs.