In recent years, use of social media and digital mobilisation by civil society has emerged as a powerful form of pressure politics. Examine its impact on policymaking and democratic accountability. (Answer in 150 words)

Pressure groups employ the methods like propaganda, advocating, electioneering etc. This is now furthered with an addition of social media. Use of social media for possible positive impact: (1) Farm Laws (2) CAA/NRC – digital waves of info dissemination (3) The Athiap protests – in JK case Impact on policymaking & accountability: Positives: 1. Greater coverage of people – interest aggregation – for better estimation.

2. Awareness – people are more politically active. 3. Build momentum – for politics where vacuum persists 4. Blacklash against extreme laws (⊗) NUC special public security bill . fake message – disinformation, misinformation NEGATIVES: (2) politically dividing when necessary debate (3) cancel culture – leading to difficulties (4) cannot have a perfect policy (5) placing accountability is difficult – on whom? (6) newstate actors MISUSE – denied the national, protest UWF highlighted, disinformation through social media – as the next big threat therefore pressure politics need to employ its response UU