Vol. 20 No. 1 (2025): Special Issue 1 Printed Edition
Articles

The Impact of Social Media on Political Participation in Developing Democracies

Ruslan Gairbekov & Shih, C. M. 1 University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban , Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals, Prague 2 Enfermera. Centro de Salud de Calaceite, Alcañiz, Teruel. Spain.
1 University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban , Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals, Prague 2 Enfermera. Centro de Salud de Calaceite, Alcañiz, Teruel. Spain.

Published 2025-09-18

Abstract


This article investigates the role of social media platforms in fostering political engagement in developing democracies. Analyzing data from surveys and digital activity logs across three countries, it evaluates whether social media mobilizes marginalized groups or exacerbates existing inequalities. The findings suggest that while social media can amplify grassroots movements, it also faces challenges like misinformation and echo chambers.