EFFECT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON PAKISTANI POLITICAL MOBILIZATION: AN ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION

Abstract

This article examines how social media affects political mobilization in Pakistan, emphasizing how digital platforms have affected political activism, debate, and involvement in the nation. The study contends that social media's influence on Pakistan's political environment has been predominantly negative, notwithstanding its potential as a vehicle for civic engagement and democratic involvement. Through a critical examination, the article demonstrates how social media platforms have helped political actors manipulate public opinion, distribute false information, and deepen political polarization. The essay also tackles the impact of digital platforms on election campaigns, voter behavior, and the emergence of "echo chambers" that stifle important political debate. The article explains how social media has compromised the conventional methods of political mobilization and civic action by looking at case studies and actual data. This has eventually hampered the creation of an electorate that is more knowledgeable and engaged. The study ends with suggestions for resolving the issues raised by social media in Pakistani politics, such as the necessity of media literacy campaigns and legislative changes.

Keywords: Voting Behavior, Political Polarization, Information Dissemination, Misinformation, Echo Chambers