Balancing Freedom and Responsibility in the Digital Era

By C. Schall Gontijo

In the modern world, most of us are incessantly connected to digital platforms and social media. Instant communication, widespread information access, and the international community created by this digital era are attractive elements that tempt a growing number of people into the world of technology. Therefore, there is increasing concern about the importance of finding balance between freedom and responsibility online, to shape a healthy digital ecosystem.


Digital freedom and digital rights allow people to access, use, create and publish media, as well as access computers, other electronic devices, and communication networks. People have the right to freedom of expression and online creativity. These rights ensure the protection of privacy and security, but also promote equal access to technology and non-discrimination. Therefore, this democratizes information, enables social movements on a larger scale, and fosters innovation. For example, social media played a pivotal role in the Arab Spring movements by mobilizing protests, spreading information, and garnering international attention. Digital platforms allowed activists to organize large scale demonstrations and document events as they unfolded, which then nurtured a feeling of solidarity in both the region and worldwide. Technology was essential in amplifying voices that would otherwise be unheard or forgotten.


However, unrestricted digital freedom does have a dark side. There are the issues of spreading misinformation, cyberbullying, and the publication of harmful content. These aspects can lead to the worsening of mental health amongst internet users, that unfortunately are mostly teenagers going through crucial moments in their lives. For example, heavily edited pictures posted in social media can motivate comparison in teenage girls and make them insecure about their bodies when compared to unrealistic and unachievable standards, triggering a myriad of mental health challenges. There is also the case of digital freedom being impactful in a negative way in the political scenario. Misinformation during elections can lead to long-lasting consequences that may affect people on a national and international scale.


That is when digital responsibility becomes crucial. It refers to using technology in an appropriate, constructive way for oneself and others. Ethical behaviour, critical thinking, and respectful online interactions must be used to ensure a safe and responsible digital environment for all. Practicing good digital citizenship makes the online world a more welcoming place for everyone. And it is not only the role of users to do so, but also of tech companies and governments to teach and foster a responsible digital culture.


It then becomes our job to balance freedom and responsibility to maximize the benefits of digital platforms while minimizing harm. This balance can be achieved by promoting digital literacy education campaigns, platform policies that ensure respect and kindness, and enforcing the need for self-regulation in users.


Tech companies, for example, can ease this balance by implementing content moderation and algorithm transparency in their systems. Governments, on the other hand, have a more challenging time balancing freedom and responsibility without promoting any type of censorship. However, that still can be done in a more subtle manner, like for example, digital education campaigns, as well as the establishment of policies. One excellent example is the Digital Services Act (DSA) in the European Union. It imposes obligations on platforms to tackle illegal content, protect user's rights, and increase transparency, which creates a safer digital space with accountable platforms.


And most importantly, users are also responsible for the creation of a balanced digital environment. We must always remember to use our critical thinking skills and be mindful of our sources' reliability. Additionally, we must report any harmful content we meet and continually promote respectful discourse and spread kindness. This proactive attitude will contribute to a healthier online community and to the integrity of online spaces. In conclusion, the future of our digital society depends on this delicate balance, and it is up to us to contribute to its realization.