Social Media Entering the Slum Life: An Ethnography Of Social Media

Abstract

The purpose of this ethnographic study is to investigate the complex dynamics of social media integration among the communities in Fateh Jang that are considered to be less fortunate. The purpose of this research is to investigate the ways in which people living in urban slums interact with social media platforms and make use of the potential that these platforms provide in their day-to-day lives. This research is being conducted against the backdrop of socio-economic disparity and technological development. The research provides a complete investigation of the intricate relationship that exists between technology and society in this one-of-a-kind setting by employing a mixed-methods approach that includes participant observation, in-depth interviews, and digital ethnography. In the course of the inquiry, the ways in which social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram interact with pre-existing social structures and practices within the context of the slum environment are investigated. It investigates the reasons that people use social media, which include anything from social connectedness and the spread of information to economic prospects and the possibility of expressing one's identity. Additionally, the research sheds light on the difficulties and obstacles that slum dwellers have when attempting to gain access to and make efficient use of these digital tools. These problems and hurdles include issues pertaining to internet connectivity, device ownership, digital literacy, and concerns regarding privacy.This study exposes the varied techniques and coping mechanisms that are utilised by community members in order to bridge the digital gap. This is accomplished by immersing oneself in the lived experiences of the community members. This study provides light on the innovative methods in which individuals utilise social media in order to cultivate social capital, get access to crucial services, and amplify their voices within larger societal discourses. In addition to this, the research investigates the role that community networks, local institutions, and grassroots efforts play in supporting digital inclusion and empowerment. As a result of its comprehensive analysis and conclusions that are contextualised, this research makes a significant contribution to the disciplines of digital anthropology, development studies, and communication studies. Not only does it offer practical implications for policymakers, development practitioners, and social activists who are working towards the goal of fostering inclusive and equitable digital futures in marginalised communities such as Fateh Jang's slums, but it also enriches our understanding of the complex relationship that exists between technology and society and impact of social media is creating on the less privileged people.