ODIHR event explores how AI and social media shape young people’s online lives

How artificial intelligence, social media and commercial incentives shape young people’s online experiences was the focus of an immersive event organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and Tactical Tech in Warsaw on 7 October 2026.

Through six real-world scenarios from the Toxic Triangle project, participants stepped into the shoes of a young social media user. They encountered AI-shaped content, deepfakes and other potentially harmful online environments, exploring the technologies and commercial interests behind them.

“The Toxic Triangle gives people in society who are responsible for children, from policy makers to politicians and from teachers to social workers, a window into the digital world of young people. It shows them not only what they are seeing, but also why and gets them started on the journey of figuring out what to do about it,” said Dominika Knoblochová from Tactical Tech.

A facilitated discussion considered how different stakeholders can contribute to a safer online environment, the challenges facing human rights defenders working on technology issues, and ways to involve young people in policymaking.

“The development and governance of AI must always be grounded in our commitment to human rights, protecting both individual rights and the broader public good. Alongside this, young people must have a meaningful voice in shaping the governance frameworks that guide its use, with our lived experiences and expertise reflected throughout the entire AI policy cycle,” said Adelisa Sejtanovic from the OSCE pool of young experts.

The event took place on the sidelines of the 2026 Warsaw Human Dimension Conference. It forms part of the Toxic Triangle project, which helps decision-makers and civil society understand the relationship between AI, social media and commercial incentives.