Social Media and Democracy

This research investigates the interplay between social media and democracy in the Indian context. As this area seems to be so broad, attempt to narrow down the scope of the enquiry particularly to the rise of right wing politics and its synergy with social media eco-system can be noticed across the study. To say link between democracy and social media is an old question is not hasty because a large number of studies have already enriched scholarship in this area. However, in the light of some recent developments, particularly the negative news such as the misuse of social media by criminals and hate speakers, this connection demands new academic scholarship. The role of social media eco-system in the rise of divisiveness and hate in the society, these linkages need to be relooked. In this scenario, whether democracy as an inclusive space is derailed by social media is an intriguing question. Particularly because it gives unrestrained freedom to publish hate ideas and divisive information. The rise of right wing politics and its electoral margins in 2014 and 2019 general elections require to be added to this question. These are broad premise upon which this investigation finds footing.