Rights in Real Time:
Human Rights among youth in the Social media age
by Jai Manghnani & Ava Choi
In an era where TikTok trends travel faster than traditional news cycles, Rights in Real Time explores how social media platforms are becoming powerful tools for shaping youth perspectives on global human rights. This student-led project investigates the historical evolution of how U.S. citizens have accessed and understood international human rights issues, tracing a timeline from print journalism to the algorithm-driven digital age. Grounded in original research, the project surveys high school students to measure current levels of global awareness and examines the role of platforms like TikTok and Instagram in shaping understanding, empathy, and action.
By weaving together the lenses of history, research, public policy, and intersectionality, Rights in Real Time seeks to illuminate gaps in youth knowledge while amplifying the diverse voices that are often marginalized in mainstream narratives. The project also proposes innovative pathways for engagement, including the conceptual design of an interactive app or digital tool that delivers digestible, fact-based content on human rights issues around the world. Ultimately, this work aims to equip young people with the tools to not only consume human rights content critically but also to become advocates for justice—online and beyond.
About The Founders
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Jai Manghnani (he/him) is a senior at Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose, CA. He is interested in Finance and Economics, while also passionately advocating for socio-economic equity and addressing the wealth gap. A product of the Silicon Valley, which has long been a hub for technological innovation, he had an opportunity to work with Dr. Zaidi at San Jose State University on projects at the intersection of business and artificial intelligence (AI). Specifically, he has already attended and presented at the Southern California Conference for Undergraduate Research (SCCUR) in 2024, as well as the National Conference for Undergraduate Research (NCUR) in 2024 and 2025. At his school he is the President of Interact Club, which drives community service and action. Jai looks forward to continuing his NYAC project, a project connected to youth consumerism and developing a social justice and human rights index that educates and informs conscientious GenZrs on the power of their dollar.
