Volume 18, No. 6, 2021

Leveraging Social Media Platforms For Community Development And Civic Engagement In The Digital Age


Reji K Kollinal

Abstract

Social media platforms are transformative tools for community development and civic engagement, enabling global communication, collaboration, and empowerment. This article explores their role in advancing sustainable development goals (SDGs) in areas like education, health, governance, and crisis response. Case studies such as the BlackLivesMatter movement and Google’s "Internet Saathi" initiative highlight their potential to amplify marginalized voices and foster economic growth. Despite these benefits, challenges like misinformation, the digital divide, and privacy concerns limit their impact. Addressing these barriers requires digital literacy programs, fact-checking initiatives, and robust data governance frameworks. Emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and VR promise to enhance social media’s effectiveness and credibility. The article calls for collaborative efforts among governments, NGOs, and tech companies to unlock the full potential of social media for inclusive and sustainable development.


Pages: 10110-10114

Keywords: Social Media, Community Development, Civic Engagement, Digital Literacy.

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