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Afghanistan has gone through a significant transformation in the social media spectrum, from zero Internet users in 2001 to 3 to 4 million users today according to Aimal Marjan, head of the government’s Information and Communication Technology Department. While much of Afghanistan remains rural, cities like Kabul, Mazar-i-Sharif, Herat, and other major cities are the centers of busy and vocal Twitter and Facebook communities. This is significant progress compared to a decade ago; today Afghans can freely talk about any issue via social media forums. Social media will also play a key role in the upcoming elections in terms of the spread of information. Facebook pages that are set up specifically for elections have tens of thousands of followers spreading news and updates on the election. Presidential candidates, many officials, and women’s activists like Wazhma Frogh are highly active on Facebook and blogs.
The question is how relevant of a role can social media play in the 2014 elections? Will it have a positive or negative effect? And, will social media shape the perceptions of people regarding potential candidates?
The question is how relevant of a role can social media play in the 2014 elections? Will it have a positive or negative effect? And, will social media shape the perceptions of people regarding potential candidates?