Launched as the first in-depth study in Pakistan to examine how social media has influenced political polarization, the book under review is based on surveys and assessments of how platforms like X (former Twitter), WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube shape public perceptions, having an impact on the politics of Pakistan. The data shared in this innovative study reveals that from 2017 to 2025, the number of social media users in Pakistan out of a population of 240 million grew from 31 million to 66.9 million, comprising 26.4 percent of the total population. Likewise, from 2017 to 2022, internet penetration in Pakistan increased from 35.2 million to 82.90 million.
Unlike traditional media, which is composed of newspapers, magazines, and media channels, social media emerged as a force around 20 years ago, in which users availed themselves of the freedom to post their content without any restriction. However, freedom in social media emerged as a double-edged sword: it gave liberty to those who post news and views without any limitation, but it also led to the proliferation of fake news. As a result, instead of promoting a healthy discourse on political matters, in most cases, social media generated political polarization and schism.
The authors argue that “social media has emerged as a powerful tool for engagement and expression, allowing users to share opinions, shape narratives, and connect with wider audiences. In recent years, a global surge in social media usage has transformed the digital landscape, fostering new modes of communication and political discourse.” On the flip side, the study focuses on getting input from the younger generation, which accounts for 60% of the population of Pakistan. However, it does not include the illiterate and rural segment of the population. There is a dearth of focus on positive social media debates relating to political issues in the country, and the users tend to be emotional, confused, and rhetorical instead of pragmatic, consistent, and serious in their discourse.
Two case studies discussed in the book pertain to the lawyers’ movement 2007-2009 and PTI’s protest marches in Islamabad in 2014. While in 2007, the use of social media was not that common, the authors overlook the power of social media used by PTI after regime change in April 2022 and the launching of widespread protests following alleged rigging in the February 2024 general elections and subsequent state policies to crush PTI through the 26th amendment. The study also failed to discuss how PTI used social media to resist the silencing of the press, mitigate the independent judiciary, and trials held under the military courts of PTI leaders and supporters.
Proliferation of internet users in Pakistan gave rise to the use of social media, which highlighted the plight of marginalized communities like women, transgender individuals, and youths. The research-based book mainly focused on how the materials on social media relate to various aspects of political polarization. The book quotes Iqra Ashraf, former Director of Strategic Communication at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, that “the correlation between social media and political polarization is complex and multi-faceted, reflecting both the democratizing potential and the divisive nature of online platforms. Unlike traditional media channels, social media platforms have fewer barriers to entry, allowing virtually anyone with internet access to share their perspectives, mobilize support for causes, and participate in public debates.”
The book is a valuable contribution to social media and political discourse in Pakistan, and it provides a wealth of information and knowledge by conducting surveys and undertaking qualitative research. The book can become a basis for future studies on the role of social media in generating political discourse and debate in the coming years.
very impressive review at all.