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Paper short abstract:

Social media enables connectivity with a diverse community of users across the globe. Does this exposure affect people’s tolerance towards diversity of opinions on political orientation and gender norms? This research assesses users’ perceptions of this impact in the case of Pakistan.

Paper long abstract:

Social media provides individuals with opportunities to connect with a diverse community of users. It closes the communication gap prevalent due to socioeconomic stratification, geographical distances, or cultural dynamics. According to research, digital social networking affects people’s opinions and behaviors. One of the most debated psychosocial aspects of digital social networking is polarization. In popular opinion, extensive use of social media is polarizing societies on matters of wider public concern. Arguably, digital social networking can deplete social cohesion in the real world as well. Does this opinion carry weight in the context of Pakistan? Does exposure to social media affect youth's attitudes towards diversity of opinions and norms? What are the people’s perceptions of social media’s impact on social cohesion in Pakistan? Hence, the underlying study captures the youth's perceptions of social media’s impact on tolerance towards diversity of opinions on the premise that perceptions drive their behaviors. To this extent, this study shall rely on qualitative data collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews of social media users aged 18-35 and other stakeholders – academics, public intellectuals, and social activists. Selection of the target age bracket is based on the country’s online or digital active population’s profile. Thematic analysis techniques shall be used to draw insights on dimensions of interests.