Volume : V, Issue : III, March - 2015

Social Media: Perspectives threat and opportunities in Indian Democracy

Dr. Nagendra, Dr. Jagadish Jr

Abstract :

Most analysis about social networking tends to focus on the phenomenon’s utopian qualities, but rarely take the dystopian view which focuses on its negative side effects on society.Eventually, A more critical view holds that social media in fact works more against democracy rather than for it. The idealists argues that social media is “Democracy In Action”, giving voice to millions and eaking down traditional information distribution channels and power structures. Perhaps, the fact it may not be true. Social Media giving every citizen a right to speak out. At the same time, it is threatening with spreading anti–national sentiments which are real threat to Indian Democracy. Nevertheless, as social media continues to mature, we must make a distinction—there is a difference between being democratic and aiding in democracy. Social media has proved a superb aide on countless occasions, but how democratic are the twitter feeds really? In his highly respected examination of Internet structure, The Myth of Digital Democracy (2009), political scientist Matthew Hindman challenges traditional notions of open Internet communications. His findings run contrary to what we would like to believe: a few, large forces dominate communication trends on the Internet. Moreover, the Internet has produced an “echo chamber” effect, in which sites only link and discuss with those that purport similar viewpoints. The echo chamber poses a distinct threat to the democratic potential of social media. Apparently, The very essence of democracy is a balanced consideration of multiple viewpoints, coalescing into an informed decision. However, presently the structure of the Internet does not lend well to this desired balance. Many, including Hindman himself, have attributed today’s harsh partisan environment to an increasingly polarized information set. Dana Radcliffe of Cornell University recently discussed this “Grim Irony,” that increased communicative ability can limit democracy. In the eyes of Radcliffe, effective use of social media organizes a bombardment of similar, non–diverse messages. The result: a public more heavily informed than ever, but only by one side of a specific issue.

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Article: Download PDF   DOI : 10.36106/ijar  

Cite This Article:

Dr.Nagendra, Dr.Jagadish JR Social Media: Perspectives threat and opportunities in Indian Democracy Indian Journal of Applied Research, Vol.5, Issue : 3 March 2015

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