Social Media and Political Polarization in Pakistan

Abstract

This research paper explores the relationship between social media usage and political polarization in Pakistan. The rapid expansion of social media platforms in recent years has revolutionized the way individuals engage with political content and ideologies. Pakistan, as a diverse and politically vibrant country, offers a compelling case study to investigate the impact of social media on political polarization(Aday et al., 2013). The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of social media data with qualitative interviews and surveys. Firstly, an analysis of social media posts, tweets, and discussions was conducted to identify prevalent political narratives and patterns of polarization. Secondly, interviews and surveys were carried out to gain insights into users' experiences, attitudes, and behaviours concerning political discourse on social media. Furthermore, it explores the impact of echo chambers on fostering extreme viewpoints and the potential for misinformation to spread rapidly in these digital spaces.