The Role of Social Media and Social Networking in the Indian Diaspora

Abstract

The Indian diaspora, one of the largest in the world, has consistently sought to maintain its cultural roots, identity, and connectivity with India. In the digital era, social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have emerged as powerful tools that enable diaspora communities to engage in transnational communication, cultural exchange, and identity formation. This paper explores how social media and social networking sites contribute to maintaining and transforming diasporic consciousness. Employing a thematic qualitative analysis approach, data is collected through content analysis of public digital platforms, diaspora groups, and secondary sources. The study reveals that social media not only strengthens emotional and cultural ties but also facilitates political awareness, economic participation, and socio-cultural advocacy within and across diaspora communities. The paper concludes with the observation that while social media offers immense opportunities, it also demands critical media literacy to counter misinformation and digital divide.