Role of Media Houses and Social Media Influencers in Undermining Democratic Institutions of Pakistan

Abstract

In Pakistan's highly polarized political environment, media houses, as well as social media influencers have become key players in helping to shape political narratives and people's perceptions of democratic institutions. The media's increasing entanglement with misinformation, sensationalism, and digital populism have led to serious concerns on the institutional legitimacy and the resilience of democracy despite the need for democratic accountability and civic engagement. This study examines media houses and social media influencers change public narratives concerning democratic institutions. And how the misinformation propagated by media is for strengthening or weakening the public trust in these institutions. The study is based on the agenda-setting theory, framing theory, Herman and Chomsky Manufacturing Consent model, modern warfare of information, Quality news content and digital influencer discourse. The election-related misinformation, judicial narratives, the vote of no confidence in 2022 and the event of 9 May, 2023 shows that the unchecked spread of misinformation by the media and digital platforms harm public trust in these institutions. The research arrives to the conclusion that it is needed to improve digital literary, to control the information warfare and to maintain the Pakistan, regulating the overreaching and the media ethics is also required.