Hybrid warfare and social media: need and scope of digital literacy

Shahbaz Aslam

doi:10.17485/ijst/v13i12.43

Abstract

Background/Objectives: With the advent of communication technologies and emergence of web 2.0, the dynamics of war are also shifting from traditional warfare to information warfare. Therefore, the role of modern information and communication technologies is very important to study in the context of hybrid warfare where social media is being used as an effective weapon. This study aimed to highlight the problems and need of information literacy among the social media users of Pakistan. Conceptually, the study will take roots from hybrid war literature and digital literacy. Method: Methodologically, a survey from the social media users of Pakistan has been carried out for this study. As part of the study, development of a Hybrid War Awareness and Digital Literacy Scales to understand, detect and respond to the hybrid threats was done. Population of the study were the university students of Punjab in Pakistan. Purposively selection of 300 respondents (Male=164, Female=136) from three universities of Punjab: University of the Punjab, Lahore (N=106), University of Gujrat, Gujrat (N=122) and University of Sialkot, Sialkot (N=72). Students were included from BS programs (N=168), Master programs (N=102), and M.Phil. /Ph.D. Programs (N=30). Data was collected with the help of questionnaires. Findings: The study indicates that university students are being exposed to propaganda messages. The study reveals that university students are active in functional use of social media. Therefore, this alarming situation demands the enhancement of digital media skills among the students of higher education through proper training and learning. Moreover, critical and creative abilities of students are less as compared to the functional abilities of students in consuming social media or internet. Recommendations: Critical and creative abilities are to be enhanced for countering compete the hybrid warfare on social media. Keywords: Hybrid War; Propaganda; Digital Literacy; Social Media

Highlights

Media is considered as fourth pillar of society
RQ1: To what extent university students are aware about the usage of social media? RQ2: To what extent students critically evaluate the social media messages? RQ3: To what extent students participate in encountering social media propaganda against security forces? RQ4: To what extent students participate actively in promoting counter narrative against terrorism and extremism?
It is concluded that university students of Punjab are mostly social media users, and they are equipped with basic digital media literacy skills

Summary

Introduction

Media is considered as fourth pillar of society. It is often credited to unite, build national integrity and harmony in any society. Media commercialization and privatization has transformed media into an industry. New media technologies have changed the landscape of media environment from nationally regulated media landscape to a more internationally (or inter-regionally) oriented, from public-oriented media to private owned media, from a supply-oriented media landscape into a more demand-oriented market, from mass media technologies to interpersonal media technologies (Scientific Council for Government Policy, 2005). Accuracy and objectivity of information got compromised which is a serious threat for the social system [1]. Pakistani society is facing the challenges of information explosion and social media revolution

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Conclusion