Published February 25, 2026 | Version https://socialresearchfoundation.com/new/publish-journal.php?editID=12734
Peer review Open

The Internet's Transformative Role in Contemporary Political Dynamics : A Review of Social Media, Algorithms, and AI in Electoral Communication

Authors/Creators

  • 1. Maa Shakambari University Saharanpur, U.P., India
  • 2. J.V. Jain Degree College Saharanpur, U.P., India

Description

This review synthesizes scholarship on how the internet—particularly social media, algorithmic curation, and emerging artificial intelligence (AI)—has reshaped political communication, participation, and campaigning. We integrate foundational works with recent India-focused evidence on WhatsApp-centric mobilization, ad transparency, microtargeting, and AI-generated content. Findings indicate social media expands participation and narrative framing, while algorithmic personalization and AI intensify persuasive capacity and risks to transparency and accountability. We propose policy recommendations on ad repositories, algorithmic audits, safeguards against synthetic media, and oversight of third-party spending. Limitations include geographic bias and restricted researcher access to platform data.

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Additional details

Dates

Submitted
2026-02-01
Accepted
2026-02-21

References

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