A Deliberative Democracy Framework for Analysing the Role of Social Media in Representing Dalits Voices: Some Critical Reflections

Abstract

Freedom of expression and the willingness to tolerate diverse viewpoints are indispensable foundations of any democratic system. This freedom ensures broader public engagement, which is possible only if people are adequately informed about the functioning of institutions and the decisions that shape their lives. For such engagement to be meaningful, information must be transparent, reliable, accessible, and rooted in democratic principles. At this juncture, the media—both traditional and digital—plays an indispensable role. By fostering dialogue and enabling deliberation, the media strengthens the democratic process, ensuring that it remains transparent, representative, and inclusive. In India, the media has historically served as a catalyst for social transformation, acting as a guardian of constitutional values and democratic ideals. However, this noble role has increasingly been compromised by commercial interests and the influence of deep-rooted social factors such as caste and communal biases. These challenges have distorted the ethical responsibilities of journalism and weakened its credibility. Particularly concerning is the exclusion of marginalized communities, especially Dalits, who remain underrepresented within media institutions. Their voices and concerns are often neglected or misrepresented, leaving a significant democratic deficit. Even though new digital and social media platforms promise alternative spaces for expression, Dalits still encounter barriers in using these platforms effectively to highlight their genuine issues. Against this backdrop, the present study aims to critically analyze the role of social media as a deliberative democratic space and to explore its capacity to amplify and represent the legitimate concerns of marginalized groups, with special attention to Dalit communities.