RUDN Journal of Studies in Literature and Journalism (Dec 2020)

Indian social media politics: new era of election war

  • Keshav Patel,
  • Himani Binjola,
  • Taha Siddiqui

DOI
https://doi.org/10.22363/2312-9220-2020-25-1-184-192
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 25, no. 1
pp. 184 – 192

Abstract

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The role of social media during 16th Lok Sabha elections has led to several insights in the manner in which the youth of today is consuming political news. Several social media platforms have played a significant role in voting behaviour. Social media platform acted as a game changer and a catalyst in wooing young voters and influencing their opinion. While Internet users grew 7% in Urban India reaching 315 million users in 2018, digital adoption is now being propelled by rural India, registering a 35% growth in Internet users over the past year. Also, there have come a general perception that television will play a lesser role in this upcoming election and digital media will play a never before seen influence on voters. This research examines the behaviour of youth in India and examines the level of influence by social media in casting their vote in Lok Sabha elections. Whether social media can be a game changer or an influencer. These findings will be carried out by this research work.

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