Social media’s influence on politics: A double-edged sword

“A politician thinks of the next election. A statesman thinks of the next generation.” – James Freeman Clarke

In the vibrant tapestry of Nepali politics, the rise of social media has woven a new thread that intertwines the voices of the past with the aspirations of the future. As James Freeman Clarke poignantly stated, “A politician thinks of the next election. A statesman thinks of the next generation.” This wisdom resonates deeply in today's digital age, where platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have transformed political engagement, allowing citizens to actively participate in shaping their democratic landscape. Social media serves as both a megaphone for the marginalized and a battleground for ideologies, reflecting the diverse tapestry of Nepali society. While it has empowered individuals to voice their concerns and mobilize movements, it has also introduced complexities that challenge the integrity of political discourse.

Rise of social media in Nepal

The advent of the internet and smartphones has significantly increased social media usage in Nepal. As of 2024, more than 11m Nepalis are active social media users, with Facebook being the most popular platform. This widespread adoption has changed the political landscape, offering politicians and citizens a new arena for engagement.

Positive impacts of social media on Nepali politics

Enhanced political participation: Social media has made it easier for Nepalis to participate in political discourse. Citizens can now voice their opinions, share concerns, and engage with political leaders directly. This increased interaction fosters a more informed and engaged electorate.

Amplification of marginalized voices: Historically marginalized groups in Nepal, such as ethnic minorities and women, have found a platform in social media to share their stories and advocate for their rights. This has led to greater awareness and action on issues that were previously overlooked.

Rapid information dissemination: News and information about political events, policies, and scandals can spread quickly through social media. This rapid dissemination helps keep the public informed and can lead to swift accountability for political leaders.

Grassroots mobilization: Social media has been instrumental in organizing protests and movements in Nepal. The 2015 Madhesi Movement and the 2019 #JusticeForNirmala campaign are examples where social media played a critical role in mobilizing citizens and drawing international attention to local issues.

Campaigning and voter outreach: Political parties and candidates use social media for campaigning and voter outreach. These platforms allow for targeted messaging and direct interaction with voters, making campaigns more efficient and personalized.

Negative impacts

Spread of misinformation and fake news: The unregulated nature of social media has led to the rampant spread of misinformation and fake news. False information can mislead the public, create panic, and influence election outcomes unfairly. During the 2017 general elections, numerous fake news stories circulated, causing confusion among voters.

Echo chambers and polarization: Social media algorithms often create echo chambers, where users are exposed only to content that aligns with their beliefs. This can reinforce existing biases and deepen political polarization, making it harder for people to engage in constructive dialogue.

Cyberbullying and harassment: Political discourse on social media can sometimes devolve into cyberbullying and harassment. Political activists, especially women, often face targeted harassment, which can discourage them from participating in political discussions.

Manipulation and propaganda: Political actors may use social media to spread propaganda and manipulate public opinion. Tactics such as paid trolls and bots are employed to create false narratives or discredit opponents. This undermines the authenticity of political discourse and can lead to mistrust in the democratic process.

Privacy concerns and data misuse: The collection and misuse of personal data on social media platforms raise significant privacy concerns. Political campaigns can exploit this data to micro-target voters with tailored messages, potentially infringing on individual privacy rights.

Case studies

Covid-19 response and vaccine hesitancy: During the Covid-19 pandemic, social media played a significant role in disseminating information about the virus and vaccination efforts in Nepal. While it was a vital tool for spreading awareness and health guidelines, it also became a breeding ground for misinformation about the virus and vaccines. False claims about vaccine safety led to hesitancy among certain groups, complicating the government’s efforts to achieve widespread immunization. Social media campaigns were eventually launched to counteract the misinformation and encourage vaccination, showcasing both the potential and pitfalls of these platforms.

#JusticeForNirmala campaign: The tragic rape and murder of Nirmala Panta in 2018 led to widespread outrage in Nepal. The #JusticeForNirmala campaign gained momentum on social media, pressuring the government to take action and ensuring that the case received national and international attention. This campaign demonstrated how social media could be leveraged to seek justice and accountability.

#NoNotAgain movement: In 2021, the #NoNotAgain movement gained traction on social media, calling for an end to the repeated election of the same old political leaders who had failed to bring about significant change. This movement, largely driven by young Nepalis on platforms like Twitter and Facebook, highlighted the power of social media in galvanizing public sentiment and pushing for political accountability. The movement forced political parties to reconsider their candidate selections and address the demands of the younger generation.

Balancing the double-edged sword

Given the significant influence of social media on Nepali politics, it is crucial to strike a balance between harnessing its benefits and mitigating its harms. Here are some recommendations:

Media literacy and education: Increasing media literacy among the public can help individuals critically evaluate information and recognize misinformation. Educational programs should focus on teaching citizens how to verify sources and discern credible information from falsehoods.

Regulation and accountability: The government and social media companies should collaborate to establish regulations that curb the spread of misinformation and protect user privacy. This includes implementing strict policies against fake news, hate speech, and cyberbullying.

Promoting inclusive dialogue: Efforts should be made to encourage inclusive political dialogue on social media platforms. Initiatives that bring together diverse voices and foster respectful conversations can help bridge the polarization gap.

Supporting ethical journalism: Supporting independent and ethical journalism is essential in providing accurate and unbiased information. Journalists can use social media to reach wider audiences while adhering to journalistic standards of truth and integrity.

Leveraging technology for good: Technology should be leveraged to enhance democratic processes. Innovations such as fact-checking tools and AI-driven moderation can help identify and mitigate the spread of false information.

Conclusion

Social media’s influence on Nepali politics is profound, acting as both a catalyst for democratic engagement and a conduit for misinformation. While it has empowered citizens and amplified marginalized voices, it has also introduced challenges that need to be addressed to preserve the integrity of political discourse. By promoting media literacy, establishing regulations, and fostering inclusive dialogue, Nepal can harness the positive potential of social media while mitigating its negative impacts. Ultimately, balancing these factors will ensure that social media continues to serve as a powerful tool for democracy, accountability, and social change in Nepali politics.