Political Information Sharing through Facebook: A survey of Pakistani Netizens

Authors

  • Humera Akhtar PhD Scholar, Department of Political Science, University of the Punjab, Lahore Author
  • Dr. Nosheen Fatima Warraich Professor, Institute of Information Management, University of the Punjab, Lahore. Author
  • Dr. Khalid Mahmood Professor, Institute of Information Management, University of the Punjab, Lahore. Author
  • Muhammad Sajid Assistant Professor Department of Political Science, University of the Punjab, Lahore. Author

Keywords:

Social Media-Facebook, Political Communication, Political Participation, Digital Democracy, Pakistan General Election 2018, Information Sharing, Internet Citizens, Netizens

Abstract

People engage in online political debates through Facebook and online political information sharing leads to offline political participation. This study aims to analyse the use and influence of Facebook on the information-sharing practices of Pakistani netizens. A quantitative research design based on an online questionnaire survey was used to collect data from Pakistani netizens who were also active users of Facebook. Data showed that the majority of the respondents positively used Facebook during an election to enhance their political knowledge and participation. They also forwarded political information and influenced their friends to vote for a specific candidate in the election. The Facebook campaign had a positive influence on election results as well as the turnout of the election. Findings also revealed that demographic factors of respondents did not have any effect on their information sharing practices during a general election. Moreover, caution should be exhibited to avoid posting derogatory and appalling comments and fake news. The use of Facebook among educated netizens in the Pakistani General election may fill the gap in the psephology and context of a developing country. Findings may apply to other developing countries with similar contexts. 

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Published

2021-12-31

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How to Cite

Political Information Sharing through Facebook: A survey of Pakistani Netizens. (2021). Journal of Political Studies, 28(02), 23-40. https://jps.pu.edu.pk/6/article/view/570

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