Navigating the Intersection of Social Media and Countering Violent Extremism in Pakistan

Abstract

In the fight against extremism, social media is becoming crucial for shaping public
opinion and promoting peace. Pakistan has a growing emphasis on building a counternarrative to combat extremism. This study focuses on the potential and effectiveness of
social media in promoting counter-narratives against extremism and combating
radicalization in Pakistan. The research emphasizes the role of various actors, such as
government institutions, journalists, and peacebuilders in? The data was collected
through questionnaires from 120 journalists and peacebuilders across Pakistan. The
results indicate that social media is a popular source of information but is considered
unreliable and inaccessible to many regions and populations. The analysis of social
media platforms emphasized the significance of reaching the appropriate audience
through the appropriate platform. In conclusion, the study shows that social media has
the potential to play a crucial role in countering extremism in Pakistan. However, both
government and non-government organizations need to harness its power effectively.
The study suggests that social media may not be sufficient in isolation and recommends
a multi-faceted approach that utilizes the strengths of various media sources. Further
research is required to explore ways to improve the use of social media for
peacebuilding goals.