LIJDLR

THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN SHAPING PUBLIC OPINION AND LAW

Wasim Ul Haq, B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) Graduate, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur (India).

Social media has become a defining element of the 21st century, transforming how individuals express opinions, mobilize communities, and engage with the law. Digital platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram have evolved into virtual forums that influence public perception, social behavior, and even judicial decision-making. This paper examines how social media functions as a double-edged tool—serving as both a democratic space for awareness and a breeding ground for misinformation. It explores the interrelationship between law and online expression in India, analyzing landmark cases such as Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015) and Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India (2020). The study highlights how public opinion generated through social media has influenced judicial trends, legislative amendments, and activism. It further discusses the challenges of regulating digital spaces while preserving the constitutional right to free speech. Ultimately, this paper argues that a balanced approach between freedom and accountability is essential to ensure that social media remains a tool of empowerment rather than manipulation.

📄 Type 🔍 Information
Research Paper LawFoyer International Journal of Doctrinal Legal Research (LIJDLR), Volume 3, Issue 4, Page 337–341.
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