Social Media for Good Governance

[email protected]@goswami.info

Role of Social Media in Good Governance

Hemant [email protected]


7 Ways in which

Social MediaContributes to

SOCIAL Governance


❏ Bring government to the people,❏ Civil Engagement - Every Person can contribute❏ An Open Grievance Redressal Mechanism, which never was❏ Ensures that political decisions are adapted to the needs of the

people who affected by them❏ Direct Participation in Governance is Possible❏ Every Group has the power to lobby/ advocate and become a

pressure group❏ When an issue touches cords of the masses, a nuclear-fusion is

possible❏ Democracy becomes all inclusive

Inclusion & ParticipationBrings Governance to The People 1


❏ Role of independent and pluralistic media in promoting participation is very important as the media reports on various aspects of the decision-making process and give stakeholders a voice in that process.

❏ Traditional Media can be bought - Social Media is beyond that❏ Voices in Social Media can no more be ignored❏ Today agenda can not be set plainly by controlling the conventional

media - masses decide the alternate dialogue beyond the control of any one individual

❏ Democracy flourish with multiple voices and alternate dialogues❏ Free expression is the backbone of democratic process. Wide range of

debates can take place and a variety of viewpoints be represented.

Alternate Dialogue in GovernanceBeyond The Commercial Controlled Media 2


❏ Governments can directly use the Social Media to counter misinformation campaign.

❏ It can/is be used to control/ dispel rumors and promote facts/ truth in a fast, effective and credible manner.

❏ Alternative to corruption in the conventional media.❏ Positivity can be/is reinforced❏ New activities/ messages/ actions can be activated and promoted❏ Opens up access to government and government officials and

create new possibilities for community driven initiatives.

Countering Misinformation Campaigns & Rumors 3


❏ Promotes Transparency & Brings Accountability.❏ Citizen Monitoring & Oversight❏ Corrupt Practices rob Governments of it’s Credibility & Legitimacy❏ There are groups which promote secrecy - Social Media is the

answer for it.❏ Whistleblowing becomes possible with Social Media & also offers

protection from the possible fall-out, which happens when it’s done only by an individual. In few minutes information becomes global and it provides immunity to an individual.

❏ Accountability to the public is critical in a democratic society.❏ Public is free to examine the transactions of the government and to

hold its representatives accountable for their actions. In a democracy this translates into VOTING-OUT a bad government.

Transparency, Accountability & Fighting Corruption, 4


❏ Promotes Human Rights & enhance civic participation.❏ Beyond Censorship & Control❏ Freedom of Speech & Expression❏ Brings Equality - Every person has a voice❏ Help people group together and form associations❏ Promotes equal opportunity❏ All Minorities get a voice❏ Crime Reporting systems to check violation of human rights

Promotes Fundamental Human Rights5


❏ Can speed-up governance and action❏ A Fast & Cost-Effective Medium/ Channel for Public-Service

Delivery & interactive dialogue.❏ Providing information through social media channels offers real

efficiencies in creating faster, easier and cheaper access to information, particularly to youngsters who use, read and operate in social media spaces.

❏ Social Media strengthens “e-governance” in a cost effective manner.

❏ Help provides media and citizens with direct access to administrative information and decision-making processes

Saves Time and Money6


❏ Social Media has the potential to provide minute-to-minute & regular feedback of governance, government action, policies and performance.

❏ A cost effective and quick method of systematically collecting feedbacks

❏ Assists in mid-course correction & to understand the pulse of the people

❏ Detailed analysis of the data can provide important understanding of various patterns, behaviour and responses.

❏ New Algorithm’s can be tested to find solutions of any existing problem.

Feedback Mechanism7


❏ Can be used against democracy too❏ Issue of privacy and personal libel❏ Grouping of anti-social people❏ Spreading rumors & misinformation❏ Question about the reliability of information❏ Privacy & integrity of data❏ Use of information by foreign groups, which can be a threat to

the national security❏ Control of technology - if it’s not within the sovereign nation❏ Intrinsic & extrinsic threat to technology❏ Etc...

Double Edged Sword


In good governance, everything revolves around the people; it’s about their needs and interests.

As a result of Social Media all the acts of our government functionaries are immediately

brought to the public eye; consequently they are forced to be more careful, discreet, prudent, responsible, transparent and accountable for

their actions.


BASELINESocial Media is going to transform

the Citizen-Government DIALOGUE for ever. It’s also going to change the

way Government functions


Hemant Goswami

Thank You

Government & Nonprofit

Social Media for Good Governance