The rise of the far right on social media

In this special edition of InfoCLACSO, we spoke with the distinguished anthropologist and specialist in youth studies, Carles Feixa , to critically reflect on the role of new generations in Latin America and the Caribbean in the face of the technological, political and cultural dilemmas of the present.

Throughout the interview, Feixa analyzes the following central themes:

Beyond generational marketing: In contrast to discourses that stigmatize or simplify 20-year-olds under commercial and market labels, a profound sociological perspective is proposed that recognizes the diversity of realities, structural inequalities, and the political agency of young people in the region.

The rise of the far right and algorithmic bias: Feixa warns how conservative sectors and far-right influencers have skillfully capitalized on digital platforms to spread hate speech and build false freedoms in encapsulated environments.

The cell phone debate: Prohibition vs. Digital Education: Faced with the punitive trend of banning cell phone use in educational settings, the expert proposes an urgent alternative: building critical digital education. This isn't about isolating young people from technology, but about providing them with tools to verify information, question algorithms, and dismantle media manipulation.

Participatory Digital Democracy: Finally, the talk delves into the need to expand democracy beyond voting every four years. To prevent the emergence of authoritarian leaders or "Big Brother" figures, it is essential to involve young people as active agents in collective decision-making and in the struggle for the meaning of public life.

A fundamental conversation for teachers, researchers, activists and communicators committed to critical thinking and the defense of youth rights.