Author: Koushik Roy
Abstract: The term ‘Social Media’ is the result of two broader terms used together. The term ‘Social’ refers to anything which relates to society or a community at large. On the other hand, the term ‘Media’ is a popular term suggesting means of communication to a larger group rather than individuals. Social media together word means a place where people can express themselves socially, however, not personally. The element of media makes it public and thus, the communication is not restricted to two individuals. Politics is an internal part of the state and included within its ambit the science of state which was attained by fighting the upcoming circumstances and forming an understanding of the same. The impact of media have on democracy is one of the most widely-debated aspects of the relationship between the media and politics. For many, the existence of a free press is one of the key features of democratic governance.
In recent years, social media has emerged as a new aspect of political communication, as evidenced by the Twitter and Face book feeds or pages of political candidates. In past few years, social media has become more prevalent in election campaigns. It provides a platform for two-way communication. Political parties have started to use social networking sites to engage directly conversations with voters and encourage more public conversation. Candidates can use social media and its highly visible environment to showcase themselves, communicate directly with their supporters and spread the information about their policies.
The media has traditionally been said to promote democracy in two key ways: by fostering public debate and political engagement, and by acting as a ‘Public Watchdog’ to check abuses of power. The capacity to provide a civic forum in which meaningful and serious political debate can take place is often viewed as the key democratic role of media. The major research question in the proposed study is to find out relationship between the variables of social media and political awareness and political participation. The questions are: Whether social media influences political participation? Whether social media increases political awareness? Whether social media molds political orientations? Whether social media plays important role in politics? To find out all these answers following objectives have been undertaken –
1. To determine how the people are using social networking sites in the context of politics.
2. To examine how social networking can be helpful in increasing political awareness.
3. To evaluate how social networking is helpful in increasing political participation.
Keywords: Social Media, Role, Communication, Politics, Impact
Page No: 96-104