Re-examining the Relationship Between Civil Society and the Internet: Pessimistic Visions in India’s ‘IT City’
The increasing frequency and proficiency of Internet use by civil society groups is touted by its proponents as proof of the Internet’s democratic credentials. Studies that highlight the Internet-civil society relationship assume: firstly, that intertwining of online and offline activity furthers democratic goals and secondly, the
Continue Reading
#RiseUpSL: The Role of Social Media and Citizen Engagement in Sri Lanka’s Political Crisis
Originally Published In: Rao, A. (13 December 2018). #RiseUpSL: The role of social media and citizen engagement in Sri Lanka’s political crisis, ISAS Insights Executive Summary Sri Lanka is in the midst of an unprecedented constitutional and political crisis. The Supreme Court’s final verdict on the
Continue Reading
Taming The Misuse of Social Media: Lessons From The Indian Elections
Originally Published In: Rao, A. (July 2019). Taming the misuse of social media: Lessons from the Indian elections, ISAS Newsletter: South Asia, Vol. 27 (Jan-Jun 2019) Introduction Much has been said and written about the pivotal role played by social media during the recently-concluded Indian general
Continue Reading
Repertoires of collective action in an “IT City”: Urban civil society negotiations of offline and online spaces in Bangalore
Originally Published In: Rao, A. & Dutta, M.J. (2016). Repertoires of collective action in an “IT City”: Urban civil society negotiations of offline and online spaces in Bangalore. Communication Monographs, DOI This paper examines the ways in which two Internet-based civil society groups, Hasiru Usiru and
Continue Reading
“Sister‐Groups” and Online‐Offline Linkages in Networked Collective Action: A Case Study of the Right to Information Movement in India
In this paper, the rise of hyperlinked activist communities, and their role in organizing, coordinating and supporting offline (physical) activism, is discussed as a new form of information and communication technology (ICT)‐enabled collective action. The role of networked civil society in India is examined in the
Continue Reading
Commentary: COVID-19 is also changing how we use social media
Some of these changes in social media usage and consumption are likely to linger beyond COVID-19, says Dr. Anuradha Rao. Originally Published In: Anuradha Rao (14 April 2020). Commentary: It’s not just work and the economy. COVID-19 is also changing how we use social media, Channel
Continue Reading
How Covid-19 Changed The Way We Use Social Media
We are living in historic times – more than half of the world’s population is under lockdown or some form of movement restriction order. As people are staying indoors more, activities on social media have gone up. According to a global study on media habits by
Continue Reading
Pandemic and the Role of Technology with Dr. Anuradha Rao
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic early this year, there has been an exponential increase in our dependence on technology. Governments are experimenting with social media to keep citizens informed and updated about the infection. Among other aspects, the pandemic has, globally, shaken the conventional
Continue Reading