Experts urge against focusing the discussion on bans, calling instead for more training shared responsibility

The congress Citizenship and Digital Rights, held at the School Communication at the University of Navarra, concluded with a shared message: the discussion social media and technology cannot be reduced to prohibition. Experts in communication, psychology, and Education that emotional well-being in the digital age requires strengthening training, staff judgment staff shared responsibility among all stakeholders.

During the meeting, the need to review and reinforce digital rights in an increasingly polarized social and geopolitical context was addressed. At the opening, Ana Azurmendi, director of the congress professor at the School Communication, highlighted the importance of protecting and disseminating them: "Rights are the same inside and outside social media. It is important to raise awareness among citizens so that they can protect themselves more effectively."

For his part, Juan Miguel Márquez, Deputy Director attachment Strategy at the National Observatory of Technology and Society at network.es, stressed the need to reflect on the validity and application of these rights: "We are increasingly making decisions digitally. What cannot be done in the non-digital world should not be allowed in the digital world either." He also argued that "rights are an institution; technology changes, but rights do not." In a context of polarization, he added, "digital rights remain the common ground that allows for dialogue and civilized coexistence."

Digital well-being, shared responsibility

The roundtable Digital roundtable addressed the emotional impact of the digital environment and the role of conversation on social media. Participants included Anne Igartiburu, RTVE presenter and creator of the digital space Mi latido de más(My Extra Heartbeat); Adrián Cano, director Psychiatry and Psychology Service Clínica Universidad de Navarra; and Charo Sádaba, professor of Communication and dean of the School Communication at the University of Navarra. The session was moderated by Mercedes Muñoz, professor of Marketing Law at the School Communication.

Participants agreed that the use of social media involves decisions that affect different stakeholders and that its development balance rights, duties, and social responsibility.

Igartiburu highlighted the importance of staff commitment staff creating safe digital environments: "Having the criteria to decide what we consume and what we contribute is a core topic." He also warned of the effects that unmanaged consumption can have on staff well-being: "What will allow us to survive in the face of technological threats are the values that govern our lives."

From a psychological perspective, Adrián Cano warned of the increase in addictive behaviors associated with social media use and called for greater humanization of the digital environment. Without demonizing the platforms, he identified four core topic players core topic this shared responsibility: the industry, users, the educational system educational families, to which Charo Sádaba added the role of public authorities. Cano pointed out that "minors are especially vulnerable and need protection. training reducing consumption time are basic measures."

For his part, Sádaba assured that, although legal tools such as media literacy exist, their internship limitations when approached as a skill . He also stressed the importance of individual responsibility: "Being aware of the time spent on social media is imperative today. From there, strategies can be developed to reduce usage time."

Identity, artificial intelligence, and human relationships

The discussion also discussion the impact of artificial intelligence on the construction of identity and personal relationships. The speakers agreed that technology makes everyday life easier, but can create tensions with human assets that require effort, such as building relationships, sustained attention, or the search for meaning.

"Immediate gratification and hyperconnectivity are influencing young people's identity and increasing anxiety," said Cano. For Igartiburu, behind this fragile identity "there is a fear of not belonging," while Sádaba warned of the risk of delegating deeply human processes to technology.

In this context, he defended the need for Education explicit and coherent Education , especially in light of the expansion of artificial intelligence: "Artificial intelligence offers enormous power that many are using irresponsibly, which raises the question of whether adults have the necessary media literacy to educate minors in this area."

About the Observatory

The congress an initiative of the National Observatory for Digital Rights (2024-2026), a project by network.es (Ministry of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation).

In partnership the University of Navarra, the Hermes Foundation for Citizen Empowerment, the Autonomous University of Madrid, Carlos III University, San Pablo CEU University, the University of Santiago de Compostela, the University of Valencia, committee of Representatives of People with Disabilities (CERMI), the Hiberus Foundation, the La Caixa Foundation, the Mobile World Capital Foundation, and the Diario de Navarra Foundation.

The Observatory's mission statement is mission statement the Digital Rights Charter and create a space for monitoring digital rights. reference letter : (C046/22-OT). More information.