In a significant contribution to the field of politics, Dr Vineeth Thomas and Dr Chandana Deka, Assistant Professors in the Department of Political Science, have published an insightful paper titled “Political Influencer in Indian Democracy” in the esteemed Journal Economic and Political Weekly. Their work delves into the burgeoning role of YouTube as a platform for political engagement, highlighting a shift in the digital landscape where entertainment and politics intersect.

The paper explores the emergence of a new breed of political influencers who are leveraging the power of social media activism to shape public discourse. This pioneering study offers a fresh perspective on the dynamics of political communication in the age of digital media.

Abstract

In the YouTube landscape dominated by entertainment, Dhruv Rathee emerges as a prominent voice in political discourse and social media activism. His casual demeanour belies his impactful mission to mobilise Indians against perceived authoritarianism under the Modi government. Rathee’s journey began in 2016, focusing initially on educational content before delving into political commentary. His videos, known for their thorough research and straightforward presentation, address issues like governance, free speech, and electoral fraud. Despite criticisms of superficiality in his economic analyses, Rathee’s engaging style and significant social media influence highlight the transformative power of digital platforms in shaping public discourse. While YouTube journalism thrives on engagement and immediacy, traditional media’s depth and editorial rigor ensure its continued relevance in the media ecosystem.

Explanation of the Research in Layperson’s terms

Dhruv Rathee, a prominent YouTuber, has made a significant impact in the realm of political discourse and social media activism in India. Starting his journey around 2016, Rathee transitioned from creating educational content to addressing political issues, driven by his dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration. His videos are characterized by meticulous research and straightforward presentation, covering a wide range of topics such as governance, free speech, electoral fraud, and media bias. Rathee’s engaging style, which blends factual rigor with a conversational tone, has enabled him to connect with a broad audience, making complex political issues accessible to the layperson.

Despite criticisms of his sometimes superficial understanding of economic issues, Rathee’s ability to mobilise large audiences and his significant social media presence underscore the transformative potential of digital platforms in shaping public discourse. However, YouTube journalism, which often centers around individual personalities, can lack the depth and breadth of traditional journalism, emphasizing engagement and immediacy over comprehensive coverage.

In Traditional media, with its extensive resources, editorial rigor, and established trust, continues to play a vital role in the media landscape. Although mainstream media has faced criticism for spreading misinformation and manipulating public discourse, its structured approach to news remains indispensable. Both YouTube and traditional media have their strengths and limitations, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to news consumption from multiple sources to ensure a well-rounded understanding of current events.

Practical Implementation or the Social Implications Associated

The practical implementation of this research emphasises the necessity for a balanced approach to news consumption, combining insights from both YouTube influencers and traditional media to foster informed public discourse and preserve democratic values.

Collaborations

Electoral Politics

Future Research Plans

Indian govt and politics

Link to the Article