Social Media And Political Polarization In India: Mechanisms, Evidence, And Policy Responses

Abstract

This study examines the role of social media in political polarization, focusing on India. Drawing on a systematic review of global scholarship and India-specific empirical studies, this paper synthesizes mechanisms selective exposures, algorithmic amplification, elite mobilization, misinformation dynamics, planned propagandas and affective signaling that link social media use to both ideological and affective polarization. An effort has been made to assess evidence from large-scale observational studies, field experiments, and platform case studies with special reference to Indian context and discuss the methodological challenges. Finally, a proposal is made to evaluate a research agenda tailored to India and policy recommendations that balance democratic deliberation, platform accountability and free expression.