New Delhi: The 36-day CJP protest triggered a debate on the shifting paradigm in political communication. Pundits read it as the rise of the audio-video-heavy Instagram as the most effective tool of communication to the masses. And WhatsApp is no longer fashionable.
The present history of political communication is full of several examples with leaders using social media to amplify their message. If the Jantar Mantar protest by ‘Gen Z’ is proven highly successful, the main reason is said to be Instagram, which served as the primary digital organizing tool and real-time broadcasting network.
Media experts like Rajdeep Sardesai and Chetan Bhagat broadly described the Jantar Mantar event as a Gen Z digital revolt, with digital warriors effectively using social media to spread the message. It is also described as India’s first Insta revolt, with Insta reels as a weapon of mass protest.
It is said that the images of Delhi Police indulging in lathicharge and tear gas were very well used by Gen Z in 30- to 40-second reels and spread among the agitators and created anger as well as humor. Insta reels allowed the students to join the movement virtually through shared reels, stories and profile changes.
Instagram is an audio-visual medium, one where communicators use puns, context and symbolism, borrowing heavily from popular cinema. In politics, the focus is now more on individuals around whom narratives are built.
Among the Indian politicians, Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheeshan and his Tamil Nadu counterpart Joseph Vijay have used Instagram effectively to connect with the audiences.
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