Digital Public Sphere, Identity, and Silence: A Qualitative Multi-Study Analysis of Political Opinion Formation in Kohima, Nagaland
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55544/ijrah.6.2.31Keywords:
Political opinion formation, social media, Political participation, Identity politics, Political silence, Digital public sphere, Nagaland, Qualitative researchAbstract
Political opinion formation in contemporary society is increasingly shaped by digital media, identity, and socio-cultural factors. This study examines how political opinions are formed and expressed in Kohima, Nagaland. Using a qualitative research design, data were collected from 50 respondents through interviews and questionnaires and analyzed using thematic analysis.
The findings indicate that political awareness is largely influenced by passive exposure to social media, where algorithmic curation reinforces existing beliefs. Emotional engagement plays a key role in shaping attention, while perceptions of protest reflect concerns related to inequality and governance. Regional identity significantly influences political loyalty, often coexisting with a negotiated national identity. Despite increased exposure to political content, expression is frequently constrained by fear of social judgment, cultural norms, and digital risks, resulting in self-censorship.
The study demonstrates that political opinion formation is a multidimensional process shaped by digital exposure, identity, and social constraints, highlighting a paradox in which increased connectivity does not necessarily lead to greater political participation.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Abel Kavahru, Ms. Mengutuonuo Solo, Mr. Petevilie Pienyu, Mr. Athenba L. Sangtam, Ms. Amenla Pongen
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