Democracy is a form of government in which laws, policies, leadership, and major undertakings of the state or other polity are directly or indirectly decided by the people (Bratannica). Democracy empowers people to take part in the political process through voting, participating in political campaigns, contesting elections for holding political offices, etc. Social media refers to the means of interactions among people in which they create, share, or exchange information in virtual communities and networks (Tufts University Communications and Marketing). Social media is accessible to everyone who holds a smart phone; they are free to share contents of their choice. The major social media platforms are Face book, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. The media, considered a fourth pillar of the state, is an essential element for a healthy democratic system. Media, on the one hand, keep people aware of the policies and decisions of the state while on other bringing the voice of the people to the government chambers.
The first part of this paper explores the evolution of social media in Pakistan. Second part explains the roles it plays in democratization, political participation, and public awareness. The third part deals with the problem of disinformation, misinformation, and hate speeches and these as challenges for social media in Pakistan. The Fourth part of the article deals with recommendations for policymakers, civil society organizations, and social media platforms to enhance the future of social media in promoting democracy. The last part summarizes the whole article.
- A historical overview of the development of social media in Pakistan
The history of social media in Pakistan dates back to 1990, when they introduced dial-up email services. The Internet was extended to the major cities of Pakistan in 1996 through a sustainable development marketing program. Bandwidth and accessibility of the internet improved after the establishment of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). According to a survey conducted in 2014, Pakistan had 20 million social media users, with Facebook being the most visited site. Social media has grown rapidly after platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube became popular among youth. The increase in internet penetration is driven by services provided by Pakistan Telecommunication Ltd. (PTCL). The impacts of social media in Pakistan are significant, although double-edged. It served as a tool for information dissemination, understanding national policies and fighting corruption. However, its misuse can harm democracy, however it plays significant role in promoting transferency and foster a democratic atmosphere but responsive usage is essential to achieving this goal (Muhammad Adeeb Fozi, 2016).
- Role of Social media in promoting Democratization, political participation and public awareness
- Social Media and Democratization
Social media played a vital role in the democratization process; it facilitated politicians and citizens in political campaigns, problem identification, and information sharing. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook have become vital tools for political leaders to interact with their constituencies, providing platforms for sharing political information and promoting democratic processes. According to some studies, Twitter in particular has been instrumental in promoting democratization in various democratic states, such as Norway, Australia, and the United States, enabling both ongoing democratic processes and political communication between politicians and voters (Yasin, 2020).
- Social Media and Political Participation
Digital technologies in general and social media in particular have revolutionized social interaction, particularly in domain of politics. Both modern and traditional media convey information, social media stands out as dispensable for disseminating information. It emerged as a primary platform for political activities such as influencing voting pattern and campaigning. It provides new opportunities for youth and increase it political participation in democratic governments. (Yasin S. B., 2020)
- Social Media and Political awareness
Staying informed of global happenings is the need of the contemporary world. Political awareness entails staying informed about political developments and processes. Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook play a significant role in raising political awareness by facilitating the sharing of diverse viewpoints with audiences abroad. A significant proportion of global internet users, around 72 percent, are active on social networks, with Facebook having 800 million users and Twitter having 140 million active users. 15.1% of the Pakistani population is on Facebook and 3.64% on Twitter, which makes social media significant for political awareness. The number of users surged to 37 million in the year 2020 (Yasin S. B., 2020). In Pakistan, social media has revolutionized youth engagement with politics, resulting in greater interconnectivity, social awareness, and political activism. By serving as a platform for open debate and spreading information, social media in Pakistan has contributed to strengthening the public sphere and democratizing political conversation.
- The problem of Disinformation, Misinformation and hate speeches a challenge and limitation for social media in Pakistan
- Disinformation
According to UN disinformation involves “false information that is created and spread, deliberately or otherwise, to harm people, institution and interests” (United Nations ).
- Misinformation
UN defines misinformation as “information that is false but not created with the intention of causing harm” (UNDP).
- Hate speeches
“Any kind of communication in speech, writing or behavior, that attacks or uses pejorative or discriminatory language with reference to a person or a group on the basis of who they are, in other words, based on their religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, color, descent, gender or other identity factor.” (Understanding Hate Speech )
- Disinformation, Misinformation and hate speeches a challenge and limitation for social media in Pakistan
Pakistan is facing a rise in hate speeches, misinformation, disinformation, and extremism on digital platforms, particularly social media. According to the violent extremism prevention unit (VEPU), 700 accounts are spreading terrorism and extremism-related contents. In collaboration with the Federal Investigation Agency, VEPU blocked 200 accounts. Hate speeches targeting groups and factions lead to disharmony, disintegration, and political instability. Misinformation and disinformation campaigns on social media are used by people for political and personal interests. With the recent wave of digital hate After Imran Khan’s removal, concentrated efforts are needed to counter misinformation and polarization. Social media power in shaping narrative underscores the urgency of a collective approach to mitigate online hate, ensuring Pakistan’s future as marked by tolerance, diversity, and constructive dialogue for lasting peace and prosperity (Siddiqui, 2023).
- Recommendation for policy makers, civil society organizations and social media platforms to enhance the future positive impacts of Social media
To enhance the positive impacts of social media on democracy in Pakistan, policymakers, civil society organizations, and social media platforms can consider the following recommendations:
- Enhancing digital and Media literacy
To bolster democracy in Pakistan, enhancing digital and media literacy is needed. Policymakers and civil society organizations should prioritize educational programmes to educate the people to distinguish between misinformation and credible sources while scrolling on social media. They should promote critical thinking, which will usher in a productive debate on various issues regarding democracy, politics, and social issues.
- Regulations and collaboration on transparency
A regulatory framework should be established to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness on social media platforms. Policymakers must regulate laws to ensure user privacy, curb hate speech, and counter disinformation and misinformation. Collaboration between social media platforms and civil society organizations can facilitate responsible content moderation, fact-checking, and user education after a mutually beneficial and trustworthy online platform conducive to democratic ideals.
- Promoting positive engagement and responsibilities
Promoting positive and responsible usage of social media is pivotal for nurturing a thriving democracy. Policymakers must champion initiatives celebrating diversity, tolerance, and democratic values. Meanwhile, social media platforms must implement policies that encourage constructive dialogue while deterring hate speech and harassment. Through these means, along with investment in technology and support for independent journalism, Pakistan can cultivate a social media ecosystem that strengthens democratic principles and fosters civic engagement.
- Conclusion
In conclusion the evolution of social media in Pakistan has brought about significant opportunities for democratization, political participation and public awareness. However challenges such as disinformation, misinformation and hate speeches undermine these positive impacts. To secure the future of social media in advancing democracy policy makers, civil society organizations and social media platforms must collaborate on initiative to enhance digital literacy, establishing transferent regulations and promote positive engagement and responsibility among the users. By addressing these challenges and embracing provocative measures Pakistan can harness the potential of social media is a powerful tool for fostering democratic values and constructive dialogue in its society.
