Paper short abstract:

New research suggests that digital media can add to societal fragmentation and democratic polarisation. This research project attempts to analyse the impact of group polarisation effect of social media for democratisation and public policy outcomes in Kazakhstan.

Paper long abstract:

There was plenty of optimism about the role of digital media in processes of democratisation, particularly in authoritarian states with heavy restrictions on free speech. In conditions of government-imposed limits on independent media, freedom of assembly and lack of opportunities to exercise political rights, social media was seen as the only remaining outlet for public discussions and deliberations. Although this might be the case, new research also suggests that social media can add to societal fragmentation and democratic polarisation. Moreover, authoritarian, and populist politicians can use social media to manipulate the masses and pursue their own interests. This research project attempts to analyse the impact of group polarisation effect of social media for democratisation and public policy outcomes in Kazakhstan. The project will analyse a series of case studies to develop an understanding of the role of social media as a platform for democratic deliberation but also study the effect of group polarisation on policymaking.