Miguel Díaz-Canel has emphasized the importance of prioritizing "humanism" and the core values of the Cuban Revolution over the sway of social media, which he accuses of promoting "cultural colonization" and manipulating public opinion.
These remarks were made during an interview with Dominican journalist Roberto Cavada on June 19 at the Palace of the Revolution, aired this Wednesday by the Dominican Republic's Telenoticias.
When asked about young people on social media who call for U.S. intervention or invite former President Donald Trump to "come to Cuba," Díaz-Canel argued that the main challenge is countering the influence of the "algorithm."
"I believe we must ensure that our young people prioritize the humanism inherent in our identity and the Revolution's mission over the algorithm," he stated, as per the transcript released by the Cuban Presidency.
Impact of Digital Platforms on Cuban Society
In the interview, Díaz-Canel maintained that digital platforms facilitate "cultural colonization," a form of "neocolonialism," and the "trivialization" of society by promoting values linked to individualism and consumerism, according to him.
The Cuban leader insisted that the youth should "trust in themselves," setting themselves apart through their culture and knowledge rather than material possessions.
He also dismissed any possibility of political integration with the United States, asserting, "One would have to be very foolish not to see that Cuba's future could never lie in annexation to the United States. There is no future for Cuba with annexation to the United States."
Migration and Youth Disillusionment
These statements come against the backdrop of the largest migratory exodus in Cuba's recent history. Between 2021 and 2024, approximately 1.79 million Cubans left the island, with 2024 marking the lowest birth rate in six decades.
Addressing migration, Díaz-Canel downplayed the uniqueness of the Cuban situation, describing it as a global issue. "Migration is a worldwide problem. In migration issues, it is always the young people who migrate the most, as they have more energy, more rebelliousness, more possibilities to emigrate," he noted.
However, independent surveys reveal a deep-seated disillusionment among the young population. Recent studies show that 93% of Cubans aged 20 to 40 would emigrate if given the chance, while 97% of young people aged 18 to 30 disapprove of the government's management.
Díaz-Canel's Media Strategy Amid Crisis
The interview is part of Díaz-Canel's broader communication strategy with international media throughout 2026. In recent months, he has given interviews to NBC News, Newsweek, elDiario.es, Canal Red, and now Telenoticias, amid Cuba's profound economic, energy, and demographic crisis.
Understanding the Challenges Facing Cuban Youth
Why does Díaz-Canel emphasize humanism over algorithms?
Díaz-Canel stresses humanism over algorithms to counteract the perceived cultural colonization and manipulation by digital platforms, urging youth to embrace the values of the Cuban Revolution.
What issues are Cuban youth facing today?
Cuban youth are dealing with disillusionment, high migration rates, and dissatisfaction with government management, alongside challenges from digital influence and economic hardships.
How does Díaz-Canel view the role of digital platforms in society?
Díaz-Canel criticizes digital platforms for fostering cultural colonization and trivializing society by promoting individualism and consumerism, which he sees as contrary to revolutionary values.