[15] DEMOCRACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE: EDUCATIONAL PERSPECTIVES ON SOCIAL MEDIA IN INDIA: ARTICLE INFO: Date of Submission: Jan 25, 2026, Revised: Feb 10, 2026, Accepted: Feb 14 , 2026, CrossRef D.O.I : https://doi.org/10.56815/ijmrr.v5i2.2026.136-141. HOW TO CITE: Somnath Misra (2026). Democracy in the Digital Age: Educational Perspectives on Social Media in India. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research & Reviews, 5(2), 136-141.

Dr. Somnath Misra

Authors

Dr. Somnath Misra State Aided College Teacher, Department of Education, Dasarathi Hazra Memorial College, Bhatar, Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal-713125, India.

Abstract

This paper examines the growing influence of social media on democratic practices in India and critically analyzes the role of education in shaping informed, responsible, and participatory digital citizens. In the contemporary democratic landscape, social media has emerged as a powerful platform for political communication, civic engagement, and social mobilization, particularly among students and youth. Simultaneously, challenges such as misinformation, political polarization, hate speech, and digital manipulation have raised serious concerns regarding the quality of democratic participation. The study adopts a qualitative and analytical approach based on secondary sources, including scholarly literature, policy documents, and research reports. It explores how education can strengthen democratic values through media literacy, critical thinking, and civic education. The paper argues that education plays a crucial role in ensuring that social media contributes positively to Indian democracy by promoting ethical digital engagement, informed participation, and democratic citizenship.