Abstract
Social media has transformed the way information is disseminated, influencing public discourse and shaping narratives of any political and social issues. As a powerful communication tool, it has democratized access to information, enabling individuals to express opinions, mobilize movements, and hold authorities accountable. The digital landscape has redefined freedom of expression, allowing diverse perspectives to thrive beyond traditional media constraints. However, this unprecedented accessibility comes with significant challenges. The spread of algorithm-driven content and misinformation has raised concerns about public opinion being manipulated. Social media platforms influence which narratives gain attention, often prioritizing engagement over accuracy. Governments and interest groups use these platforms for propaganda, shaping elections and policy debates. The distinction between genuine discourse and misinformation is becoming increasingly unclear, creating ethical and legal challenges. This paper critically examines the dual nature of social media—as both a facilitator of democratic engagement and a vehicle for narrative control. It explores the evolving legal and regulatory landscape surrounding freedom of expression in the digital age, assessing the challenges of balancing speech rights with the need for accountability. The study focuses on the evaluation of the existing legislative framework and its implication on social media influence on public opinion and seeks to propose feasible policy recommendations that safeguard freedom of expression.
- Introduction
Social Media has brought a tremendous revolution in the digital era and has redefined communication. It has brought endless access to several information and data. India has over 500 million internet users by 2025 (Statista 2025), social media platforms like WhatsApp, Twitter, and Instagram play a crucial role in creating public opinion. This article analyzes about the intertwined relationship between social media, public opinion, freedom of expression, and how it impacts India’s democratic framework. It creates a question: Does social media and freedom of expression strengthens the democracy, or does it manipulate and threaten democratic values? This question holds a key role for the nation and its betterment as sometimes we forget where to draw a line when it comes to exercising freedom of expression over social media. But at the same time, using the privilege of freedom of expression over social media has shaped many lives and has brought justice for people. Thus, we will be analyzing the topic with proper logic as well as facts, along with India-specific case studies and other major events.