EXPLORING THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN SHAPING POLITICAL OPINIONS AND ITS IMPACT ON DEMOCRATIC PROCESSES IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Abstract

The proliferation of social media platforms has fundamentally altered political discourse in developing countries, offering new avenues for civic engagement while also presenting challenges to democratic processes. This study explores the dual impact of social media on political opinion formation and democratic participation. Through a quantitative survey of 1,000 participants from developing countries, the study examines the relationship between social media usage patterns and political opinions, political polarization, and the spread of misinformation. The findings indicate that while social media platforms foster political mobilization and inclusivity, they also exacerbate political polarization and facilitate the rapid dissemination of misinformation. The paper discusses how these dynamics influence voter behavior, the legitimacy of political movements, and the overall health of democratic systems in the digital age. The study concludes with recommendations for addressing the negative aspects of social media engagement through policy interventions aimed at promoting accountability and reducing polarization