Social media emerged in the late 1990s with the advent of the Internet. The first recognizable social networking site, Six Degrees, was launched in 1997, allowing users to create profiles and connect with friends. It was followed by other platforms like Friendster and MySpace, but it was not until 2004, when Facebook came into being, that social media became an integral part of modern society. Beginning as a simple network for connecting with friends, social media has evolved into one of the most powerful forces shaping relationships, culture, business, and even politics.
In contrast to traditional media, social media facilitates real-time, interactive communication. Individuals can comment on, criticize, or protest against the posts of even the heads of government from powerful nations. Social media grants users value and dignity, elevating their sense of self-respect. No one is a nobody anymore—they can raise their voice to those who make decisions about global matters. That instills both courage and a sense of responsibility. We observed these qualities reflected among students during the July–August revolution in Bangladesh.
Social media provides freedom of expression. Individuals can create their own content and disseminate it freely across networks. Of course, authoritarian and oppressive regimes seek to curb that freedom, which is why we see internet shutdowns. Access Now is a global organization committed to defending and extending the digital rights of people around the world. In their annual report, published in February this year, they provided statistics on internet shutdowns in 2024. The report noted that Bangladeshi authorities imposed five shutdowns in July and August during the student-led protests. The highest number of internet shutdowns occurred in Myanmar, where the military junta carried out 85 shutdowns. Interestingly, India—the world’s largest democracy—implemented 84 internet shutdowns in 2024. In fact, India had the highest number of internet shutdowns in the world in 2023 for the sixth consecutive year. Globally, internet shutdowns have trended upward from a total of 78 in 2016 to 296 in 2024, reflecting the growing importance of social media in politics and government responses.
The interim government of Bangladesh is committed to holding national elections and handing over power to the elected representatives of the people. Undoubtedly, social media is going to play a major role in the election.
According to the World Health Organization, out of Bangladesh’s 171.47 million people in 2023, 109.60 million were under the age of 35. The current population estimate by Worldometer is over 175 million, with a median age of 26 — meaning half the population is younger than 26. By any measure, the majority of our people are young. It’s reasonable to assume that most of them are connected through social media, where information spreads quickly and widely. This powerful Gen Z, however, does not hold a positive image of traditional politics and politicians.
Actually, the image crisis of politicians in Bangladesh began long ago. Political rallies gradually turned into events where people were assembled through incentives. The public lost interest in the oratory of leaders; they wanted something tangible and immediate. In general, leaders lost the trust of the people. The old taboo — that leaders are towering, superior, and untouchable figures compared to ordinary citizens — was broken. Social media played a significant role in this shift. Stories of extortion, land grabbing, money laundering, moral corruption, and other misconduct by political leaders and activists were no longer hidden; they were exposed and widely circulated through social media.
But while social media has exposed many political wrongdoings, it also has a darker side. It is a powerful vehicle for spreading rumors, disinformation, and fake news. People tend to believe social media more than television or newspapers because they feel like they are part of it — it’s their own domain. That’s why disinformation and fake news campaigns on social media are especially dangerous. Fortunately, in the end, people usually figure out who is right and who is wrong. However, sometimes that may be too late.
When and how people became disillusioned with traditional politics and politicians in Bangladesh may be a topic for research. Meanwhile, the students behind the July–August uprising have formed a political party and declared their intention to participate in the forthcoming national election. Therefore, it appears that the upcoming election in Bangladesh is going to be a generational contest. Effectively using and managing social media will be key to success in this election. Posters, processions, and perks will no longer work the way they did before. To win, a candidate will need true character and credibility, because everything will be out in the open for public scrutiny. Every bit of information, as it unfolds, will be spread across society and the entire nation through social media. Traditional politicians need to accept this reality and adapt to it.
This article was published in the Daily Sun on April 30, 2025. Here is the link: https://www.daily-sun.com/printversion/details/802841